April 25, 2023, at 1:00 PM

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The meeting is called to order at 1:00 PM; it being noted that Councillors P. Van Meerbergen and S. Hillier were in remote attendance; it being further noted that Councillor E. Peloza was in remote attendance after 4:41 PM.

1.   Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

That it BE NOTED that no pecuniary interests were disclosed.

2.   Recognitions

None.

3.   Review of Confidential Matters to be Considered in Public

None.

4.   Council, In Closed Session

Motion made by A. Hopkins

Seconded by E. Peloza

That Council rise and go into Council, In Closed Session, for the purpose of considering the following:

4.1    Solicitor-Client Privileged Advice / Litigation/Potential Litigation

A matter pertaining to advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose from the solicitor and officers or employees of the Corporation; the subject matter pertains to litigation or potential litigation with respect to appeals arising out of the Masonville Secondary Plan (“SP”) at the Ontario Land Tribunal (“OLT”), and for the purpose of providing instructions and directions to officers and employees of the Corporation. (6.1/7/PEC)

4.2    Solicitor-Client Privileged Advice / Litigation/Potential Litigation

A matter pertaining to advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose from the solicitor and officers or employees of the Corporation; the subject matter pertains to litigation or potential litigation with respect to appeals arising out of The London Plan at the Ontario Land Tribunal (“OLT”), and for the purpose of providing instructions and directions to officers and employees of the Corporation. (6.2/7/PEC)

4.3    Land Disposition / Solicitor-Client Privileged Advice / Position, Plan, Procedure, Criteria or Instruction to be Applied to Any Negotiations

A matter pertaining to the proposed or pending disposition of land by the municipality, including communications necessary for that purpose; advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege; commercial and financial information, that belongs to the municipality and has monetary value or potential monetary value and a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality. (6.1/7/CSC)

4.4    Land Disposition / Solicitor-Client Privileged Advice / Position, Plan, Procedure, Criteria or Instruction to be Applied to Any Negotiations

A matter pertaining to the proposed or pending acquisition of land by the municipality, including communications necessary for that purpose; advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege; commercial and financial information, that belongs to the municipality and has monetary value or potential monetary value and a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality. (6.2/7/CSC)

4.5    Litigation/Potential Litigation/Matters Before Administrative Tribunals / Solicitor-Client Privileged Advice

A matter pertaining to litigation with respect to the full expropriation of property located at 73 Wharncliffe Road South, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board, namely a claim filed with the Ontario Land Tribunal, file OLT-22-002478; advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose, in connection with the expropriation of property located at 73 Wharncliffe Road South; and directions and instructions to officers and employees or agents of the municipality regarding settlement negotiations and conduct of litigation or potential litigation in connection with the expropriation of a property located at 73 Wharncliffe Road South. (6.3/7/CSC)

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

The Council convenes, in closed session, at 1:09 PM and reconvenes at 1:23 PM.

5.   Confirmation and Signing of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting(s)

Motion made by C. Rahman

Seconded by P. Cuddy

That the Minutes of the 8th Meeting held on April 4, 2023, BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

6.   Communications and Petitions

6.1   Expropriation of Lands - Wellington Gateway Project - Phase I (As the “Approving Authority”)

2023-04-25 Staff Report - Expropriation of Lands - Wellington Gateway Project Phase I - Approving Authority

Motion made by S. Lewis

Seconded by A. Hopkins

That Council convene as the Approving Authority pursuant to the provisions of the Expropriation Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.E.26, as amended, for the purpose of considering Communication No. 1 from the Managing Director, Environmental and Engineering Services and City Engineer, with respect to the expropriation of the lands as may be required for the Project known as the Wellington Gateway Project.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

Motion made by E. Peloza

Seconded by S. Lehman

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, with the concurrence of the Director, Construction and Infrastructure Services, on the advice of the Director, Realty Services, with respect to the expropriation of lands as may be required for the project known as the Wellington Gateway Project, the following actions be taken:

a)    the Council of The Corporation of the City of London as Approving Authority pursuant to the Expropriations Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.26, as amended, HEREBY APPROVES the proposed expropriation of lands, as described in Schedule “A” attached hereto, in the City of London, County of Middlesex, it being noted that the reasons for making this decision are as follows:

i)    the subject lands are required by The Corporation of the City of London for the Wellington Gateway Project;

ii)    the design of the project will address the current and future transportation demands along the corridor; and,

iii)    the design is in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study recommendations for the Wellington Gateway Project approved by Municipal Council at the meeting held on May 21, 2019; and

b)    subject to the approval of (a) above, a certificate of approval BE ISSUED by the City Clerk on behalf of the Approving Authority in the prescribed form.

it being noted that no requests for Hearing of Necessity were received.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

Motion made by A. Hopkins

Seconded by H. McAlister

That the meeting of the Approving Authority be adjourned and that the Municipal Council reconvene in regular session.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

6.2   Expropriation of Lands - Wellington Gateway Project - Phase I (As the “Expropriating Authority”)

2023-04-25 Staff Report - Expropriation of Lands - Wellington Gateway Project Phase I - Expropriation Authority

Motion made by P. Cuddy

Seconded by H. McAlister

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, with the concurrence of the Director, Construction and Infrastructure Services, on the advice of the Director, Realty Services, with respect to the expropriation of lands as may be required for the project known as the Wellington Gateway Project, the following actions be taken:

c)    the proposed bylaw attached as Appendix “A” being “A by-law to expropriate lands in the City of London, in the County of Middlesex, the Wellington Gateway Project: BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023;

d)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to take all necessary steps to prepare a plan or plans showing the Expropriated Lands and to register such plan or plans in the appropriate registry or land titles office, pursuant to the Expropriations Act, R.S.O. 1990,c. E.26, within three (3) months of the Approving Authority granting approval of the said expropriation;

c)    the Mayor and City Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to sign on behalf of the Expropriating Authority, the plan or plans as signed by an Ontario Land Surveyor showing the Expropriated Lands; and

d)    the City Clerk BE AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED to execute and serve the notices of expropriation required by the Expropriations Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.26 and such notices of possession that may be required to obtain possession of the expropriated Lands.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

6.3   Comprehensive Review of the London Plan: Terms of Reference

Motion made by E. Peloza

Seconded by D. Ferreira

That the communication from London Area Planning Consultants BE RECEIVED and BE REFERRED, as noted on the public Agenda.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

7.   Motions of Which Notice is Given

None.

8.   Reports

8.1   7th Report of the Planning and Environment Committee

2023-04-11 PEC Report 7 - with revised by-laws

Motion made by S. Lehman

That the 7th Report of the Planning and Environment Committee BE APPROVED, excluding items 6 (3.1), 8 (3.3), 9 (3.4) and 10 (3.5),

it being noted that any and all written submissions relating to application(s) that were made to the Planner on file, the Planning and Environment Committee and to the Municipal Council, as well as oral submissions made at the public meeting held under the Planning Act have been, on balance, taken into consideration by Council as part of its deliberations regarding these matters.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

8.1.1   Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

Motion made by S. Lehman

That it BE NOTED that no pecuniary interests were disclosed.

Motion Passed

8.1.2   (2.1) Building Division Monthly Report - February 2023

Motion made by S. Lehman

That the Building Division Monthly report for February, 2023 BE RECEIVED for information. (2023-A23)

Motion Passed

8.1.3   (2.2) Draft Plan of Subdivision - Three Year Extension - Stoney Creek South Subdivision - 1300 Fanshawe Park Road East (39T-04512)

Motion made by S. Lehman

That, on the recommendation of the Director, Planning and Development, based on the application by 700531 Ontario Limited, relating to the property located at 1300 Fanshawe Park Road East, the Approval Authority BE ADVISED that the Municipal Council supports the request for a three (3) year extension of the draft plan of subdivision approval for the draft plan submitted by 700531 Ontario Limited, prepared by AGM Ltd., certified by Bruce S. Baker, Ontario Land Surveyor (Plan No. 9-L-4901, dated August 30, 2016), as redlined amended, which shows one (1) commercial block, two (2) high density residential blocks, one (1)  medium density residential block, two (2) road widening blocks, and two (2) 0.3 m reserves, all served by one (1) new secondary collector road/neighbourhood connector (Blackwell Boulevard) SUBJECT TO the revised conditions appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “A”.  (2023-D12)

Motion Passed

Motion made by S. Lehman

That, on the recommendation of the Director, Planning and Development, the following actions be taken with respect to the administration title changes:

a) the proposed by-law appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “A” BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023, to amend By-law No. CP-1502-129, as amended, being “A by-law to delegate certain authority of Municipal Council to consent to or grant permits for alterations to heritage designated properties” by deleting all references to the title “Manager, Community Planning, Urban Design and Heritage” and replacing them with the title “Manager, Community Planning”;

b) the proposed by-law appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “B” BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023, to amend By-law No. C.P-1470-218, as amended, being “A by-law to delegate the authority to require an applicant to provide information and material in support of various Planning Act applications”, to:

i) delete all references to the title “Manager, Long Range Planning, Research and Ecology” and replace them with the title “Manager, Long Range Planning”; and,

ii) delete all references to the title “Manager, Community Planning, Urban Design and Heritage” and replace them with the title “Manager, Community Planning”; and,

c) the proposed by-law appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “C” BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023, to amend By-law No. CP-23, as amended, being “A by-law to provide for the Committee of Adjustment and Consent Authority”, by deleting all references to the title “Manager, Current Planning” and replacing them with the title “Manager, Current Development”.  (2023-D09)

Motion Passed

8.1.5   (2.4) 376, 378, 380, 382, 386 & 390 Hewitt Street and 748 King Street (Z-9576) (Relates to Bill No. 134)

Motion made by S. Lehman

That, notwithstanding the recommendation of the Director, Planning and Development and on the direction of Planning and Environment Committee, based on the application by East Village Holdings Limited, relating to the property located at 376, 378, 380, 382, 386 & 390 Hewitt Street and 748 King Street, the request to amend Zoning By-law No. Z.-1 to change the zoning of the subject property, the following actions be taken:

a)    the proposed by-law appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “A” BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023 to amend Zoning By-law No. Z.-1 to change the zoning of the subject property FROM a Residential R8 (R8-4) Zone and a Business District Commercial Special Provision (BDC(2)) Zone TO a Residential R8/Temporary (R8-4/T-) Zone and Business District Commercial Special Provision/Temporary (BDC(2)/T-) Zone; and,

b)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to work with the applicant to select native plants, shrubs and trees for the landscaping, with a focus on four season screening plants; it being noted that planting decisions will reside with the City’s Landscape Architect to work with the Applicant at the time of the Site Plan review. (2023-D09)

Motion Passed

8.1.7   (3.2) Zoning By-law Amendment - 2016 Huron Street (Z-9575) (Relates to Bill No. 136)

Motion made by S. Lehman

That, on the recommendation of the Director, Planning and Development, with respect to the application of The Corporation of the City of London relating to the property located at 2016 Huron Street, the proposed by-law appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “A” BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting April 25, 2023 to amend Zoning By-law No. Z.-1, (in conformity with the Official Plan for the City of London, 2016), to change the zoning of the subject property FROM a Light Industrial (LI1) Zone, a Light Industrial (LI2) Zone, a General Industrial (G1) Zone, and a Holding General Industrial (h*GI1) Zone, TO a Light Industrial (LI2) Zone, and Open Space (OS4 and OS5) Zones;

it being noted that no individuals spoke at the public participation meeting associated with this matter;

it being further noted that the Municipal Council approves this application for the following reasons:

  •    the recommended amendment is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, 2020;

  •    the recommended amendment conforms to the policies of The London Plan, including but not limited to the Key Directions and Light Industrial Place Type; and,

  •    the recommended amendment would consolidate the zoning, simplifying the future development of the site. (2023-D09)

Motion Passed

8.1.11   (3.6) Comprehensive Review of the London Plan: Terms of Reference (O-9595)

Motion made by S. Lehman

That, on the recommendation of the Director, Planning and Development, the following actions be taken with respect to the London Plan Comprehensive Review:

a)  the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to initiate the Comprehensive Review, based on the Terms of Reference appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix ‘A’; and,

b) the Terms of Reference appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “A” BE CIRCULATED to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Prescribed Agencies, and to development and community stakeholders;

it being pointed out that the following individuals made verbal presentations at the public participation meeting held in conjunction with this matter:

  •    M. Wallace, London Development Institute;

  •    J. Zaifman, London Homebuilders Association;

  •    R. Zelinka, London and Area Planning Consultants;

  •    C. Colvin, Ontario Federation of Agriculture (Lambton-Middlesex);

it being noted that the presentation, as appended to the Added Agenda, with respect to this matter, was received. (2023-D02)

Motion Passed

8.1.6   (3.1) Modifications to Public Site Plan Holding Provisions as a Result of Bill 23 (Z-9588) (Relates to Bill No. 135)

Motion made by S. Lehman

That, on the recommendation of the Director, Planning and Development, based on the application by The Corporation of the City of London, relating to the h-5 and h-217 Holding Zones, the proposed by-law appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “A” BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 11, 2023 to amend Zoning By-law No. Z.-1, (in conformity with the Official Plan for the City of London, 2016), to change the h-5 and h-217 Holding Zone to exempt Public Site Plan Meetings for residential developments with 10 or fewer units in accordance with the provisions of Bill 23;

it being pointed out that the following individual made a verbal presentation at the public participation meeting held in conjunction with this matter:

  • M. Wallace, London Development Institute;

it being further noted that the Municipal Council approves this application for the following reasons:

  •    the recommended amendment is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, 2020;

  •    the recommended amendment is consistent with the Planning Act, as amended through Bill 23 which exempts residential developments of 10 or fewer units; and,

  •    the recommended amendments support Council’s goals in the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan, to improve the delivery of service through streamlined Council’s decision-making process. (2023-D09)

Motion made by S. Lehman

Seconded by A. Hopkins

That Item 6, clause 3.1, BE AMENDED to read as follows:

That, on the recommendation of the Director, Planning and Development, based on the application by The Corporation of the City of London, relating to the h-5 and h-217 Holding Zones, the proposed, attached, revised by-law as Appendix “A” BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 11, 2023 to amend Zoning By-law No. Z.-1, (in conformity with the Official Plan for the City of London, 2016), to change the h-5 and h-217 Holding Zone to exempt Public Site Plan Meetings for residential developments with 10 or fewer units in accordance with the provisions of Bill 23;

it being pointed out that the following individual made a verbal presentation at the public participation meeting held in conjunction with this matter:

  •    M. Wallace, London Development Institute;

it being further noted that the Municipal Council approves this application for the 

following reasons:

  •     the recommended amendment is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, 2020;

  •    the recommended amendment is consistent with the Planning Act, as amended through Bill 23 which exempts residential developments of 10 or fewer units; and,

  •    the recommended amendments support Council’s goals in the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan, to improve the delivery of service through streamlined Council’s decision-making process.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

Motion made by S. Lehman

Seconded by A. Hopkins

That item 6 (clause 3.1), as amended, BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

8.1.8   (3.3) Housekeeping Amendments to the London Plan (O-9555) (Relates to Bill No. 128)

Motion made by S. Lehman

That, on the recommendation of the Director, Planning and Development, the proposed by-law, as appended to the staff report, dated April 11, 2023, BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023, to amend The London Plan, by correcting errors and omissions, update references to older terminologies, and incorporating Council’s approved amendments to the 1989 Official Plan into The London Plan;

it being pointed out that the following individual made a verbal presentation at the public participation meeting held in conjunction with this matter:

  •    M. Wallace, London Development Institute;

it being further noted that the Municipal Council approves this application based on the amendment improving clarity and consistency on the overall policies and maps in The London Plan. (2023-D02)

Motion made by S. Lehman

Seconded by P. Cuddy

That Item 8, clause 3.3 BE AMENDED to read as follows:

That, on the recommendation of the Director, Planning and Development, the proposed, attached, revised by-law as Appendix “A”, BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023, to amend The London Plan, by correcting errors and omissions, update references to older terminologies, and incorporating Council’s approved amendments to the 1989 Official Plan into The London Plan;

it being pointed out that the following individual made a verbal presentation at the public participation meeting held in conjunction with this matter:

  •    M. Wallace, London Development Institute;

it being further noted that the Municipal Council approves this application based on the amendment improving clarity and consistency on the overall policies and maps in The London Plan.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

Motion made by S. Lehman

Seconded by S. Lewis

That item 8 (clause 3.3), as amended, BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

8.1.9   (3.4) Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment - Street Width Policy Review (OZ-9584) (Relates to Bill No. 129 and 137)

Motion made by S. Lehman

That, on the recommendation of the Director, Planning and Development, the following actions be taken with respect to required Street Widths:

a) the by-law appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “A” BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023, TO AMEND The London Plan, the Official Plan for the City of London, 2016 to clarify the planned street widths for the Main Street Classification, and modify the process for permitting alternative street widths; and,

b)  the proposed by-law appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “B” BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023, TO AMEND Zoning By-law No. Z.-1, to remove Road Allowance Requirements from Section 4.21, and delete Sections 4.21.1 and 4.21.2;

it being pointed out that the following individual made a verbal presentation at the public participation meeting held in conjunction with this matter:

  •    M. Wallace, London Development Institute;

it being noted that the Municipal Council approves this application based on the amendments preventing unnecessary Zoning-By-law Amendments solely for a deviation from the required street width. (2023-D02/T05)

Motion made by S. Lehman

Seconded by A. Hopkins

That item 9, clause 3.4, BE AMENDED to read as follows:

That, on the recommendation of the Director, Planning and Development, the following actions be taken with respect to required Street Widths:

a)    the proposed, attached, revised by-law as Appendix “A” BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023, TO AMEND The London Plan, the Official Plan for the City of London, 2016 to clarify the planned street widths for the Main Street Classification, and modify the process for permitting alternative street widths; and,

b)    the proposed by-law appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023, as Appendix “B” BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023, TO AMEND Zoning By-law No. Z.-1, to remove Road Allowance Requirements from Section 4.21, and delete Sections 4.21.1 and 4.21.2;

it being pointed out that the following individual made a verbal presentation at the public participation meeting held in conjunction with this matter:

  •    M. Wallace, London Development Institute;

it being noted that the Municipal Council approves this application based on the amendments preventing unnecessary Zoning-By-law Amendments solely for a deviation from the required street width.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

Motion made by S. Lehman

Seconded by C. Rahman

That item 9 (clause 3.4), as amended, BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

8.1.10   (3.5) Zoning By-law Amendment - 300-320 King Street (Z-9570) (Relates to Bill No. 138)

Motion made by S. Lehman

That, on the recommendation of the Director, Planning and Development, the following actions be taken with respect to the application by Zelinka Priamo Ltd., on behalf of Royal Host GP Inc. and Holloway Lodging, relating to the property located at 300-320 King Street:

a)    the proposed by-law appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “A” BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023 to amend Zoning By-law No. Z.-1, (in conformity with the Official Plan for the City of London, 2016), to change the zoning of the subject property FROM a holding Downtown Area (h-3DA2D350)) Zone TO a holding Downtown Area Special Provision (h-(  )*DA2(_)) Zone;

it being noted that the following site plan, urban design and heritage matters that were raised during the application review process for consideration by the Site Plan Approval Authority: 

i)  to ensure sufficient amenity space has been provided, the amount of outdoor amenity space as presented on the architectural drawings should remain;

ii)  to ensure the development represents uniqueness and individual creativity to develop a landmark and contribution, the proposed development should generally reflect the middle portion of the tower as submitted on the architectural drawings with materials and an architectural expression; 

iii) to ensure the built form enhances the pedestrian environment, the ground floor and podium facades should provide depth and variation; 

iv) provide a variety of bird-friendly window glazing along the King Street ground floor façade, to create visual interest and sightlines for sense of safety; as well as protect birds from collision;

v) design the space between the building and the street to have an urban character and an appropriate mix of hard- and softscape. Include street trees and design pedestrian routes to follow natural desire lines;

x) to ensure impact from wind, consideration will be given to the common amenity terraces to include wind screens on Level 6 predicted to experience wind conditions suitable for sitting to the immediate north and south of the tower, Level 33 and 35 predicted to be suitable for sitting;

xi)  to mitigate the risk for indirect impacts on the built heritage resource – The Delta Armouries Hotel, a strategy to carry out a pre-condition survey, vibration monitoring and post-condition survey should be developed by a licensed engineer preferably with heritage experience;

xii) the property should be subject to a vibration assessment prior to the commencement of construction to establish a “Zone of influence” and vibration monitoring and control system and policy be developed and implemented to ensure levels remain below the accepted threshold during all construction activities, to ensure there are no indirect impacts to adjacent structure, of  particular note is the Delta Armouries Hotel at 325 Dundas Street. Vibration monitoring should be carried out by an individual with previous knowledge of heritage structures and the impact of vibration on heritage resources; and,

xiii)  the recommendations outlined in the noise study including roadway and railway mitigation measures be implemented and a more detailed noise assessment will be required at the time of site plan review to determine specific noise control measures for the building itself; and,

b)    pursuant to Section 34(17) of the Planning Act, as determined by the Municipal Council, no further notice BE GIVEN in respect of the proposed by-law as the recommended zoning generally implements the site concept submitted with the application. As part of the application review process a revised site plan concept was submitted with minor revisions including a new height of 112.0 metres; however, which is still within the 35-storeys as originally proposed;

it being pointed out that the following individual made a verbal presentation at the public participation meeting held in conjunction with this matter:

  •    M. Campbell, Zelinka Priamo Ltd.;

it being noted that the Municipal Council approves this application for the following reasons:

  •    the recommended amendment is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, 2020, which encourages land use patterns within settlement areas that provide for a range of uses and opportunities for intensification and redevelopment, as well as enhancing the vitality and viability of downtowns. The PPS directs municipalities to permit all forms of housing required to meet the needs of all residents, present and future;

  •    the recommended amendment conforms to the policies of The London Plan including but not limited to the Key Directions, City Building policies, and the Downtown Place Type, facilitating a built form that contributes to achieving a compact, mixed-use city;

  •    the recommended amendment conforms to Our Move Forward: London’s Downtown Plan, by providing for a landmark development within the downtown core; 

  •    the recommended amendment facilitates the development of an underutilized site within the Built Area Boundary and Primary Transit Area with an appropriate form of development; and,

  •    the recommended amendment facilitates a type of residential development that will help to address the growing need for affordable types of housing in London.  The recommended amendment is in alignment with the Housing Stability Action Plan 2019-2024 and Strategic Area of Focus 2: Create More Housing Stock. (2023-D09)

Motion made by D. Ferreira

Seconded by S. Trosow

That item 10 (clause 3.5) BE AMENDED by adding the following new part c):

“c)        that the Civic Administration, including but not limited to the staff of the Municipal Housing Development team, BE DIRECTED to work with the applicant to provide for affordable housing units in the above-noted proposed development; it being noted that any such units could be a part of the Roadmap to 3,000 Affordable Units, as well as assist with Council’s Strategic focus to increase access to a range of quality affordable house options.”

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

Motion made by S. Lehman

Seconded by D. Ferreira

That item 10 (clause 3.5), as amended, BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

Item 10 (clause 3.5), as amended, reads as follows:

“That, on the recommendation of the Director, Planning and Development, the following actions be taken with respect to the application by Zelinka Priamo Ltd., on behalf of Royal Host GP Inc. and Holloway Lodging, relating to the property located at 300-320 King Street:

 

 a) the proposed by-law appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “A” BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023 to amend Zoning By-law No. Z.-1, (in conformity with the Official Plan for the City of London, 2016), to change the zoning of the subject property FROM a holding Downtown Area (h-3DA2D350)) Zone TO a holding Downtown Area Special Provision (h-(  )*DA2(_)) Zone;

 

 it being noted that the following site plan, urban design and heritage matters that were raised during the application review process for consideration by the Site Plan Approval Authority: 

 

 i)  to ensure sufficient amenity space has been provided, the amount of outdoor amenity space as presented on the architectural drawings should remain;

 ii)  to ensure the development represents uniqueness and individual creativity to develop a landmark and contribution, the proposed development should generally reflect the middle portion of the tower as submitted on the architectural drawings with materials and an architectural expression; 

 iii) to ensure the built form enhances the pedestrian environment, the ground floor and podium facades should provide depth and variation; 

 iv) provide a variety of bird-friendly window glazing along the King Street ground floor façade, to create visual interest and sightlines for sense of safety; as well as protect birds from collision;

 v) design the space between the building and the street to have an urban character and an appropriate mix of hard- and softscape. Include street trees and design pedestrian routes to follow natural desire lines;

 x) to ensure impact from wind, consideration will be given to the common amenity terraces to include wind screens on Level 6 predicted to experience wind conditions suitable for sitting to the immediate north and south of the tower, Level 33 and 35 predicted to be suitable for sitting;

 xi)  to mitigate the risk for indirect impacts on the built heritage resource – The Delta Armouries Hotel, a strategy to carry out a pre-condition survey, vibration monitoring and post-condition survey should be developed by a licensed engineer preferably with heritage experience;

 xii) the property should be subject to a vibration assessment prior to the commencement of construction to establish a “Zone of influence” and vibration monitoring and control system and policy be developed and implemented to ensure levels remain below the accepted threshold during all construction activities, to ensure there are no indirect impacts to adjacent structure, of particular note is the Delta Armouries Hotel at 325 Dundas Street. Vibration monitoring should be carried out by an individual with previous knowledge of heritage structures and the impact of vibration on heritage resources; and,

 xiii)  the recommendations outlined in the noise study including roadway and railway mitigation measures be implemented and a more detailed noise assessment will be required at the time of site plan review to determine specific noise control measures for the building itself; and,

 

 b) pursuant to Section 34(17) of the Planning Act, as determined by the Municipal Council, no further notice BE GIVEN in respect of the proposed by-law as the recommended zoning generally implements the site concept submitted with the application. As part of the application review process a revised site plan concept was submitted with minor revisions including a new height of 112.0 metres; however, which is still within the 35-storeys as originally proposed;

 

 c)        that the Civic Administration, including but not limited to the staff of the Municipal Housing Development team, BE DIRECTED to work with the applicant to provide for affordable housing units in the above-noted proposed development; it being noted that any such units could be a part of the Roadmap to 3,000 Affordable Units, as well as assist with Council’s Strategic focus to increase access to a range of quality affordable house options.

 

 it being pointed out that the following individual made a verbal presentation at the public participation meeting held in conjunction with this matter:

 

 -    M. Campbell, Zelinka Priamo Ltd.;

 

 it being noted that the Municipal Council approves this application for the following reasons:

 -    the recommended amendment is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, 2020, which encourages land use patterns within settlement areas that provide for a range of uses and opportunities for intensification and redevelopment, as well as enhancing the vitality and viability of downtowns. The PPS directs municipalities to permit all forms of housing required to meet the needs of all residents, present and future;

 -    the recommended amendment conforms to the policies of The London Plan including but not limited to the Key Directions, City Building policies, and the Downtown Place Type, facilitating a built form that contributes to achieving a compact, mixed-use city;

 -    the recommended amendment conforms to Our Move Forward: London’s Downtown Plan, by providing for a landmark development within the downtown core; 

 -    the recommended amendment facilitates the development of an underutilized site within the Built Area Boundary and Primary Transit Area with an appropriate form of development; and,

 -    the recommended amendment facilitates a type of residential development that will help to address the growing need for affordable types of housing in London.  The recommended amendment is in alignment with the Housing Stability Action Plan 2019-2024 and Strategic Area of Focus 2: Create More Housing Stock. (2023-D09)“

8.2   7th Report of the Corporate Services Committee

2023-04-11 CSC Report 7

Motion made by S. Lewis

That the 7th Report of the Corporate Services Committee BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

8.2.1   Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

Motion made by S. Lewis

That it BE NOTED that no pecuniary interests were disclosed.

Motion Passed

8.2.2   (2.1) 2022 Year-End Operating Budget Monitoring Report

Motion made by S. Lewis

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports, the following actions be taken with respect to the 2022 Year-End Operating Budget Monitoring Report:

a)    the 2022 Operating Budget Year-end Monitoring Report for the Property Tax Supported Budget, Water Budget, and Wastewater and Treatment Budget BE RECEIVED for information; an overview of the net corporate positions are outlined below:

i)      Property Tax Supported Budget surplus of $12.3 million;

ii)     Water Rate Supported Budget surplus of $6.6 million;

iii)    Wastewater and Treatment Rate Supported Budget surplus of $2.0 million;

it being noted that Property Tax, Water, and Wastewater and Treatment Budget surplus will be allocated in accordance with the Council Approved Surplus/Deficit Policy;

b)    the presentation as appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “C”, providing an overview of 2022 Year-End Budget Monitoring BE RECEIVED for information.

Motion Passed

8.2.3   (2.2) 2022 Year-End Capital Budget Monitoring Report

Motion made by S. Lewis

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports, the following actions be taken with respect to the 2022 Year-End Capital Budget Monitoring Report:

a)    the 2022 Year-End Capital Budget Monitoring Report BE RECEIVED for information, it being noted that the life-to-date capital budget represents $2.8 billion with $1.7 billion committed and $1.1 billion uncommitted; it being further noted that the City Treasurer, or designate, will undertake the housekeeping budget adjustments identified in the Report, in accordance with the Multi-Year Budget Policy adopted by amending by-law No. CPOL.-45(b)-239;

b)    the status updates of active 2019 life-to-date capital budgets (2019 and prior) having no future budget requests, as appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “B”, BE RECEIVED for information;

c)    the following actions be taken with respect to the completed capital projects identified in Appendix “C” of the above-noted staff report, which have a total of $1.3 million of net surplus funding:

i)     the capital projects included in Appendix “C” BE CLOSED;

ii)    the following actions be taken with respect to the funding associated with the capital projects approved for closure in part c) i), above:

Rate Supported

A)    pay-as-you-go funding of $7 thousand BE TRANSFERRED to capital receipts;

B)    uncommitted reserve fund drawdowns of $97 thousand BE RELEASED back into the reserve funds which originally funded the projects;

Non-Rate Supported

C)    uncommitted reserve fund drawdowns of $1.0 million BE RELEASED back into the reserve funds which originally funded the projects; and

D)    other net non-rate supported funding sources of $164 thousand BE ADJUSTED in order to facilitate project closings.

Motion Passed

8.2.4   (2.3) Court Security and Prisoner Transportation Program Transfer Payment Agreement (Relates to Bill No. 118)

Motion made by S. Lewis

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports, the proposed by-law as appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “A” BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting on April 25, 2023 to:

a)    approve the Ontario Transfer Payment Agreement between His Majesty the King in right of Ontario as represented by the Solicitor General and The Corporation of the City of London for the provision of funding for the Court Security and Prisoner Transportation Program (“Agreement”) attached as Schedule “1” to the staff report dated April 11, 2023;

b)    authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute the above-noted Agreement;

c)    authorize the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports to approve any future amending agreements between His Majesty the King in Right of Ontario as represented by the Solicitor General and The Corporation of the City of London with respect to the Court Security and Prisoner Transportation Program (“CSPT”);

d)    authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute any future amending agreements between His Majesty the King in Right of Ontario as represented by the Solicitor General and The Corporation of the City of London with respect to the Court Security and Prisoner Transportation Program (“CSPT”) approved by the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports; and,

e)    authorize the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports (or designate) to execute any reports required by the province under the Agreement.

Motion Passed

8.2.5   (2.5) 2022 Compliance Report in Accordance with the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy

Motion made by S. Lewis

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports, the following actions be taken with respect to the 2022 Compliance Report, in accordance with the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy;

 

a)    as per the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy, Section 8.11 (c), an annual report of total payments where a supplier has invoiced the City a cumulative total value of $100,000 or more in a calendar year, BE RECEIVED for information, as appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “A”;

b)    the administrative contract awards for Professional Consulting Services with an aggregate total greater than $100,000, as per Section 15.1 (g) of the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy, decentralized from Purchasing and Supply that have been reported to the Manager of Purchasing and Supply and have been reviewed for compliance to the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy, BE RECEIVED for information, as appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “B”;

c)    the list of administrative contract awards for Tenders with a value up to $6,000,000 that do not have an irregular result, as per Section 13.2 (c) of the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy, BE RECEIVED for information, as appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “C”;

d)    the City Treasurer, or delegate, BE DELEGATED authority to, at any time, refer questions concerning compliance with the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy to the City’s internal auditor; and,

e)     the City Treasurer, or delegate, BE AUTHORIZED to ratify and confirm completed awards or purchases between $15,000 and $50,000 where the City Treasurer or delegate is of the opinion that the awards or purchases were in the best interests of the Corporation.

Motion Passed

8.2.6   (2.6) Year 2023 Tax Policy (Relates to Bill No.’s 119 and 120)

Motion made by S. Lewis

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports, the following actions be taken with respect to property taxation for 2023:

a)         the proposed by-law as appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “A” being a by-law setting tax ratios for property classes in 2023, in accordance with Sub-sections 308(4) and 308.1(4) of the Municipal Act, 2001 BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023, it being noted that the 2023 Municipal Tax Ratio By-Law has been prepared reflecting the equalization of the average property tax increase in residential and multi-residential classes with no change to other tax ratios; and,

b)         the proposed by-law as appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “B” being a by-law levying tax rates for property classes in 2023, in accordance with Sections 307 and 312 of the Municipal Act, 2001 BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023.

Motion Passed

8.2.7   (2.7) Year 2023 Education Tax Rates (Relates to Bill No. 121)

Motion made by S. Lewis

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports, the proposed by-law as appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “A” being a by-law levying rates for 2023 for school purposes in the City of London BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on of April 25, 2023.

Motion Passed

8.2.8   (2.4) Delegation of Authority By-law: Environment and Infrastructure Approvals and Agreements

Motion made by S. Lewis

That the staff report regarding Delegating of Authority By-law: Environment and Infrastructure Approvals and Agreements BE REFERRED to the May 1, 2023 Corporate Services Committee for consideration; it being noted that additional work on the proposed by-law is required.

Motion Passed

8.2.9   (2.8) Members of Council Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Policy (Relates to Bill No. 122)

Motion made by S. Lewis

That on the recommendation of the City Clerk, the by-law as appended to the staff report dated April 11, 2023 as Appendix “A” BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023 to repeal By-law No. CPOL.-407-321, and any amendments thereto, being “A by-law to adopt Members of Council Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Policy”.

Motion Passed

8.2.10   (2.9) Standing Committee Meetings and Annual Meeting Calendar

Motion made by S. Lewis

That the 2024 Standing Committee Meetings and Annual Meeting Calendar Report BE REFERRED to the Governance Working Group for consideration of moving standing committee meetings to regular City Hall business hours for all standing committees, effective December 1, 2023.

Motion Passed

8.2.11   (4.1) Application - Issuance of Proclamation - World Press Freedom Day

Motion made by S. Lewis

That based on the application dated March 18, 2023 from ink-stainedwretches.org, May 3, 2023 BE PROCLAIMED World Press Freedom Day.

Motion Passed

8.2.12   (4.2) Application - Issuance of Proclamation - Day of Remembrance of our London Family

Motion made by S. Lewis

That based on the application dated March 28, 2023 from London Muslim Mosque, June 6, 2023 BE PROCLAIMED Day of Remembrance of our London Family.

Motion Passed

8.2.13   (4.3) Application - Issuance of Proclamation - National Day of Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls & Two-Spirit People

Motion made by S. Lewis

That based on the application dated March 28, 2023 from The City of London’s Indigenous Employee Resource Group (ERG), May 5, 2023 BE PROCLAIMED National Day of Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls & Two Spirit People.

Motion Passed

8.2.14   (4.4) Application - Issuance of Proclamation - 2023 31st Falun Dafa Day

Motion made by S. Lewis

That based on the application dated April 3, 2023 from Falun Dafa Association Canada, May 13, 2023 BE PROCLAIMED 2023 31st Falun Dafa Day.

Motion Passed

8.2.15   (4.5) Board of Directors - Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)

Motion made by S. Lewis

That the following actions be taken with respect to the communication dated March 29, 2023 from Councillor S. Franke regarding standing for election to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Board of Directors and her associated expenses:

WHEREAS the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) represents the interests of municipalities on policy and program matters that fall within federal jurisdiction;

WHEREAS FCM’s Board of Directors is comprised of elected municipal officials from all regions and sizes of communities to form a broad base of support and provide FCM with the united voice required to carry the municipal message to the federal government; and

WHEREAS FCM’s Annual General Meeting will  be held in conjunction with the Annual Conference and Trade Show, May 25 to 28, 2023, followed by the election of FCM’s Board of Directors;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of The Corporation of the City of London endorses Councillor Skylar Franke to stand for election on FCM’s Board of Directors for the 2023/2024 term;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Councillor S. Franke be reimbursed by The Corporation of the City of London, outside her annual expense allocation, for his campaign expenses in seeking election to the Board of Directors, in an amount of up to $750, upon submission of eligible receipts; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council assumes all costs associated with Councillor Skylar Franke attending FCM’s Board of Directors meetings, and the FCM Annual Conference and AGM and the Trade Show, during the 2023/2024 term.

Motion Passed

8.3   7th Report of the Community and Protective Services Committee

2023-04-12 CPSC Report 7

Motion made by E. Peloza

That the 7th Report of the Community and Protective Services Committee BE APPROVED, excluding item 5 (clause 2.4).

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

8.3.1   Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

Motion made by E. Peloza

That it BE NOTED that no pecuniary interests were disclosed.

Motion Passed

8.3.2   (2.1) 3rd Report of the Accessibility Community Advisory Committee

Motion made by E. Peloza

That the 3rd Report of the Accessibility Community Advisory Committee, from its meeting held on March 23, 2023, BE RECEIVED.

Motion Passed

8.3.3   (2.3) RFP-2022-309 Prime Consulting Services for the New Fire Station No. 15

Motion made by E. Peloza

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports and Deputy City Manager, Neighbourhood and Community-Wide Services, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report, dated April 12, 2023, related to RFP-2022-309 Prime Consulting Services for the New Fire Station No. 15:

a)    the proposal submitted by Cornerstone Architecture Incorporated, 110-700 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, N6A 5C7, for the Prime Consultant Services for the New Fire Station No. 15 project for a fee of $421,285.00 (excluding HST) BE ACCEPTED; it being noted that the evaluation team determined the proposal submitted by Cornerstone Architecture Incorporated provided the best technical and financial value to the Corporation, met the City’s requirements in all areas and acceptance is in accordance with section 15.2 of the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy;

b)    the financing for this project BE APPROVED as set out in the Sources of Financing Report, as appended to the above-noted staff report;

c)    the Civic Administration BE AUTHORIZED to undertake all administrative acts which are necessary in connection with the project;

d)    the approvals given, herein, BE CONDITIONAL upon the Corporation entering into a formal contract with the consultant for the work; and,

e)    the Mayor and the City Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to execute a contract or any other documents, if required, to give effect to these recommendations. (2023-P16)

Motion Passed

Motion made by E. Peloza

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Planning and Economic Development, the proposed by-law, as appended to the staff report dated April 12, 2023, BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023, to approve the potential demolition of vacant buildings at 689 Hamilton Road, 253, 255 and 257 Grey Street and 520 South Street under the Property Standards provisions of the Building Code Act; it being noted that the communication, as appended to the Added Agenda, and verbal delegation, from H. Froussios, Zelinka Priamo Ltd., with respect to this matter, was received. (2023-P10D)

Motion Passed

8.4   6th Report of the Civic Works Committee

2023-04-12 - CWC - Report 6

Motion made by C. Rahman

That the 6th Report of the Civic Works Committee BE APPROVED, excluding item 10 (2.8).

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

8.4.1   Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

Motion made by C. Rahman

That it BE NOTED that no pecuniary interests were disclosed.

Motion Passed

8.4.2   (2.1) 4th Report of the Integrated Transportation Community Advisory Committee

Motion made by C. Rahman

That the 4th Report of the Integrated Transportation Community Advisory Committee, from its meeting held on March 15, 2023, BE RECEIVED.

Motion Passed

8.4.3   (2.2) Contract Award - Request for Proposal RFP-2022-270 - Rapid Transit Variable Message Signs

Motion made by C. Rahman

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report dated April 12, 2023, related to the Contract Award for the Request for Proposal for Rapid Transit Variable Message Signs project (RFP-2022-270):

a)    the proposal submitted by Urban Solar for the Request for Proposal RFP-2022-270 – Rapid Transit Variable Message Signs project for future supply, BE APPOINTED; it being noted that the proposal submitted by Urban Solar received the highest score of two (2) compliant proposal submissions received and meets the City’s specifications and requirements in all areas;

b)    the Civic Administration BE AUTHORIZED to appoint Urban Solar as the Vendor of Record for the supply of Variable Message Signs to be installed as part of future rapid transit shelter projects for a period of three (3) years with the option for renewal based on positive performance and cost noting cost escalation may be negotiable;

c)    the Civic Administration BE AUTHORIZED to undertake all administrative acts that are necessary in connection with this project;

d)    the approval given, herein, BE CONDITIONAL upon the Corporation entering into a formal contract with Urban Solar for this work; and,

e)    the Mayor and the City Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to execute any contract or other documents, if required, to give effect to these recommendations. (T07-2023)

Motion Passed

8.4.4   (2.3) RFP-2022-105 Supply and Distribution of Green Bins and Kitchen Containers

Motion made by C. Rahman

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report dated April 12, 2023, related to the Supply and Distribution of Green Bins and Kitchen Containers (RFP-2022-105):

a)    the proposal submitted by IPL North America Inc., for the supply and distribution of Green Bin Containers BE ACCEPTED, in the amount of $3,436,410.00 (excluding HST), for the 121,000, 45 litre Green Bins and 130,500, 7 litre Kitchen Containers;

b)    the Green Bin and Kitchen Container supply and distribution contingency fund representing 10% of supply and distribution costs BE APPROVED, in the amount of $343,640.00 (excluding HST);

c)    a community awareness and involvement program BE ESTABLISHED to complement the distribution of the Green Bins and Kitchen Containers in the amount of $210,000.00 (excluding HST);

d)    the financing for this project BE APPROVED as set out in the Source of Financing Report, as appended to the above-noted staff report;

e)    the Civic Administration BE AUTHORIZED to undertake all the administrative acts that are necessary in connection with this work; and

f)    the approval given, herein, BE CONDITIONAL upon the Corporation entering into a formal contract, or having a purchase order, or contract record relating to the subject matter of this approval. (E07-2023)

Motion Passed

8.4.5   (2.4) SS-2023-099 Single Source Procurement Material Recovery Facility Baler Refurbishment

Motion made by C. Rahman

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report dated April 12, 2023, related to the Single Source Procurement Material Recovery Facility Baler Refurbishment (SS-2023-099):

a)    approval BE GIVEN to exercise the single source provisions of section 14.4 (d) & (e) of the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy, for the repair and refurbishment of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) container materials baler, in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the existing agreement to operate and maintain the City owned MRF with Miller Waste Systems Inc., for a cost greater than $50,000.00;

b)    the Single Source quoted price BE ACCEPTED to hire Miller Waste Systems Inc., to complete the required repair and refurbishment of the container materials baler for a total estimated price of $215,058.64 (excluding HST);

c)    the financing for this project BE APPROVED as set out in the Source of Financing Report, as appended to the above-noted staff report;

d)    the Civic Administration BE AUTHORIZED to undertake all the administrative acts that are necessary in connection with this work; and,

e)    the approval given, herein, BE CONDITIONAL upon the Corporation entering into a formal contract, or having a purchase order, or contract record relating to the subject matter of this approval. (E07-2023)

Motion Passed

8.4.6   (2.5) Contract Award - Tender RFT-2023-015 Fanshawe Park Road and Richmond Street Intersection Improvements

Motion made by C. Rahman

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report dated April 12, 2023, with respect to the Fanshawe Park Road and Richmond Street Intersection Improvements project (RFT-2023-015):

a)    the bid submitted by L82 Construction Ltd, at its tendered price of $14,704,685.58 (excluding HST), BE ACCEPTED; it being noted that the bid submitted by L82 Construction Ltd. was the lowest of five bids received and meets the City’s specifications and requirements;

b)    Dillon Consulting Limited BE AUTHORIZED to complete the contract administration and construction inspection for this project, as per the Dillon Consulting Limited work plan on file, at an upset amount of $1,203,357.50 (excluding HST);

c)    the financing for this project BE APPROVED as set out in the Sources of Financing Report, as appended to the above-noted staff report;

d)    the Civic Administration BE AUTHORIZED to undertake all the administrative acts that are necessary in connection with this project;

e)    the approvals given, herein, BE CONDITIONAL upon the Corporation entering into a formal contract with the consultant for the work;

f)    the approvals given, herein, BE CONDITIONAL upon the Corporation entering into a formal contract for the material to be supplied and the work to be done relating to this project; and,

g)    the Mayor and the City Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to execute any contract or other documents, if required, to give effect to these recommendations. (2023-T04)

Motion Passed

8.4.7   (2.6) Greenway and Adelaide WWTP Climate Change Resiliency Geotechnical Consultant Award

Motion made by C. Rahman

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report dated April 12, 2023, related to the Greenway and Adelaide Wastewater Treatment Plants Climate Change Resiliency Geotechnical Consultant Award:

a)    WSP Canada Inc. BE APPOINTED as the Geotechnical Consulting Engineers in the amount of $153,360.00, including 20% contingency (excluding HST), in accordance with Section 15.2 (d) of the City of London’s Procurement of Goods and Services Policy;

b)     the financing for this project BE APPROVED as set out in the Sources of Financing Report, as appended to the above-noted staff report;

c)    the Civic Administration BE AUTHORIZED to undertake all the administrative acts that are necessary in connection with this project;

d)    the approvals given, herein, BE CONDITIONAL upon the Corporation entering into a formal contract; and,

e)    the Mayor and the City Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to execute any contract or other documents, if required, to give effect to these recommendations. (E03-2023)

Motion Passed

8.4.8   (2.7) Appointment of Consulting Engineers for Contract Administration Services - 2023 Infrastructure Renewal Program and Huron Street Steel Watermain Cathodic Protection Project

Motion made by C. Rahman

That, on the recommendation of Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report dated April 12, 2023, related to the Appointment of Consulting Engineers for Contract Administration Services for the 2023 Infrastructure Renewal Program and Huron Street Steel Watermain Cathodic Protection Project:

a)    the following consulting engineers BE APPOINTED to carry out consulting services for the identified Infrastructure Renewal Program funded projects, at the upset amounts identified below, in accordance with the estimate on file, and in accordance with Section 15.2(g) of the City of London’s Procurement of Goods and Services Policy:

i)    IBI Group (IBI) BE APPOINTED consulting engineers to complete the resident inspection and contract administration of 2023 Infrastructure Renewal Project for Lyle Street and Elizabeth Street, in the total amount of $318,054.00, including contingency (excluding HST);

ii)    GM BluePlan Engineering Limited (GM BluePlan) BE APPOINTED consulting engineers to complete the resident inspection and contract administration of 2023 Infrastructure Renewal Project for Whitehall Drive, in the total amount of $282,353.50, including contingency (excluding HST);

iii)    R.V. Anderson Associates Limited (RVA) BE APPOINTED consulting engineers to complete the resident inspection and contract administration of 2023 Infrastructure Renewal Project for McKenzie Avenue, Baker Street, Windsor Avenue, and Belgrave Avenue, in the total amount of $578,610.00, including contingency (excluding HST);

iv)    R.V. Anderson Associates Limited (RVA) BE APPOINTED consulting engineers to complete the resident inspection and contract administration of Huron Street Steel Watermain Cathodic Protection Project, in the total amount of $79,112.00, including contingency (excluding HST);

b)     the financing for this project BE APPROVED as set out in the Sources of Financing Report, as appended to the above-noted staff report;

c)    the Civic Administration BE AUTHORIZED to undertake all the administrative acts that are necessary in connection with this project;

d)    the approval given, herein, BE CONDITIONAL upon the Corporation entering into a formal contract; and,

e)    the Mayor and the City Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to execute any contract or other documents, if required, to give effect to these recommendations. (2023-D24)

Motion Passed

8.4.9   (2.9) Oxford Street West and Gideon Drive Intersection Improvements - Appointment of Consulting Engineer

Motion made by C. Rahman

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report dated April 12, 2023, related to the Appointment of a Consulting Engineer for the Oxford Street West and Gideon Drive Intersection Improvements project:

a)    R.V. Anderson Associates Limited BE APPOINTED as the consulting engineer to complete the detailed design and tendering services at an upset amount of $488,901.00 (excluding HST);

b)     the financing for this project BE APPROVED as set out in the Sources of Financing Report, as appended to the above-noted staff report;

c)    the Civic Administration BE AUTHORIZED to undertake all the administrative acts that are necessary in connection with this assignment;

d)    the approvals given, herein, BE CONDITIONAL upon the Corporation entering into a formal contract with the consultant for the work; and,

e)    the Mayor and the City Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to execute any contract or other documents including agreements, if required, to give effect to these recommendations. (2023-T04)

Motion Passed

8.4.11   (5.1) Councillor S. Trosow - Verbal - Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

Motion made by C. Rahman

That it BE NOTED that the Civic Works Committee heard a verbal update from J. Stanford, Director, Climate Change, Environment, and Waste Management, with respect to gas-powered leaf blower operation in the City of London.

Motion Passed

8.4.10   (2.8) Western Road and Sarnia Road/Philip Aziz Avenue Corridor and Intersection Improvements - Environmental Study Report, Notice of Completion

Motion made by C. Rahman

That the Western Road and Sarnia Road/Philip Aziz Avenue Corridor and Intersection Improvements and Environmental Study Report, Notice of Completion, BE REFERRED back to Civic Administration, in order to consider the concerns raised by the Civic Works Committee, including but not limited to pedestrian operations at the Western Road and Sarnia Road Intersection.  (T-05-2023)

Motion Failed (0 to 15)

Motion made by C. Rahman

Seconded by S. Trosow

The following actions BE TAKEN with respect to the Environmental Study Report for the Western Road and Sarnia Road/Philip Aziz Avenue Corridor and Intersection Improvements: 

 

a)    the Environmental Study Report for the Western Road and Sarnia Road/Philip Aziz Avenue Corridor and Intersection Improvements BE REVISED to include more assessment of pedestrian priority traffic signal phasing (intersection scramble) at the Western Road/Sarnia Road/Philip Aziz Avenue intersection during the project design phase; 

 

b)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to report back to Council Committee on the assessment of future signal operations during the project design phase;

 

c)    the Environmental Study Report for the Western Road and Sarnia Road/Philip Aziz Avenue Corridor and Intersection Improvements BE ACCEPTED subject to the revision in clause a;

 

d)    a Notice of Study Completion for the Project BE FILED with the Municipal Clerk; and, 

 

e)    the Environmental Study Report BE PLACED on the public record for a 30-day review period.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

8.5   13th Report of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee

2023-04-17 SPPC Report 13-Complete

At 4:02 PM, Mayor J. Morgan places Councillor C. Rahman in the Chair.

At 4:04 PM, Mayor J. Morgan resumes the Chair.

Motion made by S. Lewis

That the 13th Report of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

8.5.1   Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

Motion made by S. Lewis

That it BE NOTED that no pecuniary interests were disclosed.

Motion Passed

8.5.2   (4.1) Council’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan

Motion made by S. Lewis

That, on the recommendation of the City Manager, the following actions be taken with respect to the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan:

a)    the report, entitled “Council’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan” BE RECEIVED for information; and,

b)    the attached, revised, 2023-2027 Strategic Plan BE APPROVED;

it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received a staff presentation with respect to this matter.

Motion Passed

8.6   14th Report of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee

2023-04-18 SPPC Report 14

At 4:18 PM, Mayor J. Morgan puts Councillor C. Rahman in the Chair.

At 4:23 PM, Mayor J. Morgan resumes the Chair.

At 4:34 PM, Councillor E. Peloza leaves the meeting.

Motion made by S. Lewis

That the 14th Report of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee BE APPROVED, excluding Item 9 (5.2).

Motion Passed (14 to 0)

8.6.1   Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

Motion made by S. Lewis

That it BE NOTED that no pecuniary interests were disclosed.

Motion Passed

8.6.2   (2.1) Update - Whole of Community System Response Implementation

Motion made by S. Lewis

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Social and Health Development, that the Update - Whole of Community System Response Implementation Report BE RECEIVED for information purposes only.

Motion Passed

8.6.3   (2.2) Operational and Community Implications of the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (formerly known as Bill 23)

Motion made by S. Lewis

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports and the Deputy City Manager, Planning and Economic Development, the report, entitled “Operational and Community Implications of the More Homes, Built Faster Act, 2022 (formerly known as Bill 23)” BE RECEIVED for information.

Motion Passed

8.6.4   (2.3) Financial Implications of the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (formerly known as Bill 23)

Motion made by S. Lewis

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports and the Deputy City Manager, Planning and Economic Development, the following actions be taken with respect to the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022:

a)    the report, entitled “Financial Implications of the More Homes, Built Faster Act, 2022 (formerly known as Bill 23)” BE RECEIVED for information;

b)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to monitor Development Charges exemptions and discounts arising from the More Homes Act and identify interim funding sources to address 2023 costs as required;

c)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to incorporate direct and indirect costs associated with the More Homes Act in the 2024 – 2027 Multi-Year Budget;

d)    the deferred completion of the 2025 Development Charges Background Study BE ENDORSED, with a revised planned effective date of January 1, 2028 for the Development Charges By-law; and,

e)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to update cost estimates for Development Charges-funded growth projects to be incorporated into the 2024 – 2027 Multi-Year Budget;

it being noted that the Civic Administration will continue to assess the health of the Development Charges reserve funds through annual monitoring, with any concerns being addressed through the Growth Management Implementation Strategy (GMIS) Update (completed during the first half of each year) and/or an earlier update of the Development Charges By-law.

Motion Passed

8.6.5   (4.1) 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget (Relates to Bill No. 124)

Motion made by S. Lewis

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports, the following actions be taken with respect to the 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget:

a)    the Multi-Year Budget Policy, as appended to the staff report dated April 18, 2023 as Appendix “B” BE RECEIVED for information;

 

b)    the Civic Administration BE ADVISED of the Council desire for Civic Administration to bring forward a draft 2024 to 2027 Multi-year budget with an average annual tax levy increase in the range of approximately 2.9% – 3.9% as identified to maintain existing service levels as well as additional investments of an additional 0.5% in funding for additional investment, for planning purposes; 

c)    the Civic service areas and the City’s agencies, boards and commissions BE REQUESTED to develop their 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budgets in accordance with the direction provided by Council and the associated planning assumptions outlined in the City’s budget guidelines document;

d)    the 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget timetable, as appended to the staff report dated April 18, 2023 as Appendix “C”, BE RECEIVED for information; it being noted that the tabling of the 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget is planned for December 12, 2023 at the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee;

e)    the proposed by-law, as appended to the staff report dated April 18, 2023 as Appendix “D” BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting on April 25, 2023 to formalize the budget submission deadlines and requirements for the City’s agencies, boards and commissions; and,

f)    the preliminary public engagement plan, as appended to the staff report dated April 18, 2023 as Appendix “E” for the 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget BE ENDORSED; it being noted that this public engagement plan has been incorporated into the 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget timetable noted above.

Motion Passed

8.6.6   (4.2) Request for a Shareholder’s Meeting - London Hydro Inc.

Motion made by S. Lewis

That the following actions be taken with respect to the 2022 Annual General Meeting of the Shareholder for London Hydro Inc.:

a)      the 2022 Annual General Meeting of the Shareholder for London Hydro Inc. BE HELD at a meeting of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee on June 20, 2023, for the purpose of receiving the report from the Board of Directors of London Hydro Inc. in accordance with the Shareholder Declaration and the Business Corporations Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. B.16; and,

b)      the City Clerk BE DIRECTED to provide notice of the 2022 Annual Meeting to the Board of Directors for London Hydro Inc. and to invite the Chair of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer of London Hydro Inc. to attend at the Annual Meeting and present the report of the Board in accordance with the Shareholder Declaration;

it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received a communication dated April 3, 2023, from C. Graham, Chair, Board of Directors, London Hydro Inc., with respect to this matter.

Motion Passed

8.6.7   (4.3) Consideration of Appointment to the London Police Services Board

Motion made by S. Lewis

That the following actions be taken with respect to the appointment consideration to a member of the London Police Services Board:

a)  interviews BE CONDUCTED with the following individuals:

  •    Michele Anderson

  •    Gita Canaran

  •    Stephen D’Amelio

  •    Ryan Gauss

  •    Joseph Wabegijig

b)   the above-noted interviews will be conducted at a special meeting of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee, at the call of the Chair; it being noted that the members will be canvassed by the City Clerk to determine an appropriate date and time for the meeting;

it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy received communications from the following individuals regarding this matter:

  •    a communication dated April 4, 2023 from Chief J. French, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation;

  •    a communication dated April 3, 2023 from Chief T. Cornelius, elected Chief, Oneida Nation of the Thames; and,

  •    a communication dated April 17, 2023 from V. Van Linden

it being further noted that training opportunities available to the members will be provided in advance of the interviews.

Motion Passed

8.6.8   (5.1) Request to Update London Hydro Inc. Board of Director Recruitment, Interview and Nomination Process

Motion made by S. Lewis

That the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to take the following actions with respect to the communications dated April 11, 2023, from the Chair of the London Hydro Board, related to Board recruitment and appointment process, and the impending Board vacancies:

a)     the impending London Hydro Board vacancies, as outlined in the above-noted communication, BE ADVERTISED using the most recent approach of a broader recruitment process, as appropriate; it being noted that applications will be considered by the Municipal Council, as the Shareholder, at the Annual General Meeting; 

b)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to provide to the London Hydro Corporate Governance and Risk Management Committee the applications received in the recruitment process, noted above in part a),  for review and consideration (which may include interviews conducted by London Hydro) with a recommendation to be submitted to the Shareholder for consideration of appointments at the Annual General Meeting; and,

c)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to take the necessary steps in order to provide for a future amendment to the Shareholder Agreement to formalize the above-noted new process.

Motion Passed

8.6.10   (5.3) 4th Report of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee

Motion made by S. Lewis

That the following actions be taken with respect to the 4th Report of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee from its meeting held on April 13, 2023:

a)  the creation of a sub-committee of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee (DIACAC) to review the Municipal Council’s appointment process, BE APPROVED; it being noted that the intention of the sub-committee work would be to make recommendations to the Municipal Council for potential improvements to the processes of recruitment and appointments to the City’s Agencies, Boards, Commissions and/or Community Advisory Committees; it being further noted that the DIACAC is committed to offering advice to the Municipal Council in relation to improving equitable and diverse representation; and,

b)  clauses 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1 and 4.2 of the 4th Report of the Diversity, Inclusion and anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee BE RECEIVED for information.

Motion Passed

9.   Added Reports

9.1   7th Report of Council in Closed Session

At 4:41 PM, Councillor E. Peloza joins the meeting remotely.

Motion made by C. Rahman

Seconded by S. Trosow

  1.    Property Disposition – City-Owned Surplus Land – Part of 181 Hamilton Road

    

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports, on the advice of the Director, Realty Services, with respect to the City-owned surplus land located at 181 Hamilton Road, City of London, County of Middlesex, being Part of Lot 28 S Hamilton Road, N/E Grey Street, PL 178(E), being part of PIN # 08313-0062, particularly, described as Part 2 Plan 33R-21427, as shown on the Location Map attached hereto as Appendix “A”, the Agreement of Purchase and Sale (the “Agreement”) attached as Appendix “B”, as submitted by the Thames Valley District School Board (the “Purchaser”), to purchase the subject property from the City, at a purchase price of $190,000.00 BE ACCEPTED, subject to the terms and conditions set out in the agreement.

  1.    Partial Property Acquisition – 300 Clarke Road – Future Road Widening and Improvements

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports, on the advice of the Director, Realty Services, with respect to the property located at 300 Clarke Road, further described as Part Lot 4, Concession C, being part of PIN 08128-1980, in the City of London, Middlesex County, containing an area of approximately 10,791 square feet, as shown on the location map attached as Appendix “B”, for the purpose of future road improvements and cycling facilities, the following actions be taken:

a)    the offer submitted by Thames Valley District School Board (the Vendor), to sell the subject property to the City, for the sum of $216,000.00 BE ACCEPTED, subject to the terms and conditions as set out in the agreement attached as Appendix “C”; and,

b)    the financing for this acquisition BE APPROVED as set out in the Source of Financing Report attached hereto as Appendix “A”.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

9.2   (ADDED) 8th Report of the Special Corporate Services Committee

2023-04-24 CSC Report 8

Motion made by S. Lewis

That the 8th Report of the Corporate Services Committee Committee BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

9.2.1   Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

Motion made by S. Lewis

That it BE NOTED that no pecuniary interests were disclosed.

Motion Passed

9.2.2   (4.1) 2023 Debenture Issuance Update

Motion made by S. Lewis

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports, the following actions be taken with respect to the 2023 City of London Debenture Issuance:

a)    the issuance of serial debentures for a total of $21,500,000 BE APPROVED; it being noted that the average all-in rate is 3.881% over a 10-year term and that all debt has been placed with investors in the capital markets; and,

b)    the proposed by-law as appended to the staff report dated April 24, 2023 as Appendix “A” BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting on April 25, 2023 to execute the borrowing upon serial debentures in the aggregate principal amount of $21,500,000 towards the cost of certain capital works of the Corporation of the City of London.

Motion Passed

9.3   (ADDED) 7th Report of the Civic Works Committee

2023-04-24 - CWC Report - Special 7

Motion made by C. Rahman

That the 8th Report of the Civic Works Committee BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

9.3.1   Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

Motion made by C. Rahman

That it BE NOTED that no pecuniary interest were disclosed.

Motion Passed

9.3.2   (2.1) Updates: Blue Box Transition

Motion made by C. Rahman

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report dated April 24, 2023, related to Updates on the Blue Box Transition:

a)    the proposed by-law, as appended to the above noted staff report BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023, to delegate authority to the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, or designate, to negotiate, approve and execute agreements with Circular Materials Ontario, a Producer Responsibility Organization(s) registered with the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority, for Blue Box collection services, use of the Enviro Depots, and for the provision of promotion and education services;” pursuant to the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act;

b)    the proposed by-law, as appended to the above noted staff report BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 25, 2023, to delegate authority to the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, or designate, to negotiate approve and execute agreements for the sale of material recovery facility equipment to Miller Waste Systems Inc.” in order that Blue Box processing services can be provided by Miller Waste Systems to Circular Materials Ontario as part of Blue Box Transition (July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025) and beyond as per Miller Waste Systems Inc. agreement with Circular Materials Ontario; and,

c)    Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to report back at a future Civic Works Committee with the outcome of negotiations for a) and b) above. (E07-2023)

Motion Passed

10.   Deferred Matters

None.

11.   Enquiries

None.

12.   Emergent Motions

None.

13.   By-laws

Motion made by P. Van Meerbergen

Seconded by S. Hillier

That Introduction and First Reading of Bill No.’s 117 to 138, including the revised Bill No.’s 128, 129, 135 and 137, and the Added Bill No.’s 123 and 139 to 143, BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

Motion made by A. Hopkins

Seconded by S. Lehman

That Second Reading of Bill No.’s That Introduction and First Reading of Bill No.’s 117 to 138, including the revised Bill No.’s 128, 129, 135 and 137, and the Added Bill No.’s 123 and 139 to 143, BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

Motion made by H. McAlister

Seconded by P. Cuddy

That Third Reading and Enactment of Bill No.’s 117 to 138, including the revised Bill No.’s 128, 129, 135 and 137, and the Added Bill No.’s 123 and 139 to 143, BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

14.   Adjournment

Motion made by S. Franke

Seconded by C. Rahman

That the meeting BE ADJOURNED.

Motion Passed

The meeting adjourns at 4:49 PM.

Appendix: New Bills

Full Transcript

Transcript provided by Lillian Skinner’s London Council Archive. Note: This is an automated speech-to-text transcript and may contain errors. Speaker names are not identified.

View full transcript (3 hours, 8 minutes)

So I’ll call the meeting to order and we will start. Okay, colleagues, the ninth meeting of city council has been called to order. I am going to start with a land acknowledgement. We acknowledge that we are gathered today on the traditional lands of the Anishnabek, Haudenosaunee, Lene Peiwak, and Adewandran.

Honor and respect the history, languages, and culture of the diverse indigenous people who call this territory home. We acknowledge all of the treaties that are specific to this area. The two-row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Silver Covenant chain. Beaver hunting grounds of the Haudenosaunee Nanfand Treaty of 1701, the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron-Track Treaty of 1827 with the Anishnabek, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three indigenous nations that are neighbors to Lene are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Oneida Nation of the Thames, and the Muncie Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs. Further, the city of London is committed to making every effort to provide alternate formats and communication supports for meetings upon request. To make a request specific to this meeting, please contact council agenda at London.ca or 519-661-249 extension 2425. With that, I want to invite our national anthem singer forward in a moment.

Let me just do the introduction first. 26-year-old Amanda Movio bends an old soulful sound into the modern world. Singing and writing from her youngest years, she grew up knowing that she was meant to sing. Amanda is a fast-rising star with over 300,000 streams in six months between four singles and listeners in over 130 countries.

Her voice has been compared to legends like Billy Holiday, Amy Winehouse, and Erica Bedou. But she continues to pave her lane while she experiments with different sounds and styles. Please join me in welcoming Amanda Movio, who will now perform the national anthem for us, and please rise. ♪ Can it be a plan ♪ ♪ To pay to love ♪ ♪ And our sons come in ♪ ♪ With glowing hearts ♪ ♪ We see the rise ♪ ♪ The truth is strong and free ♪ ♪ Burn far and wide ♪ ♪ No can it though we stand on guard for thee ♪ ♪ God keep our lives and free ♪ ♪ No can it though we stand on guard for thee ♪ ♪ No can it though we stand on guard for ♪ I’ll look for disclosures of pecuniary interest for this meeting.

Seeing none, recognitions. I’m gonna start the recognitions by going to Councilor Ploza first. Thank you. You’ll see as well in the corporate services reports, recognizing national day of awareness for missing and emergent indigenous women and girls into spirit people and official proclamations coming, but recognizing that date and its importance to our community and moving towards reconciliation as well.

This year will be the first year that the city of London will have a display as well in their front window here as well as a display at Deerness Home and encouraging colleagues to find a red dress pin or to think of that day and to participate as your schedules allow in some community events that are happening. And for everyone to take the time to become aware of the disproportion of missing and murdered women and girls and two spirit people throughout the country and the intergenerational effects it has on people in the healing. So just thank you to colleagues for supporting this. When it comes forward at corporate services and for your support of urban indigenous and our indigenous neighbors.

Thank you, Councilor. I have a recognition and to do so, I want to share that I received a letter from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators and the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators recognize the number of years of full-time paid employment in municipal governments in a management capacity, which means someone who’s either served as a CO or city manager or reported directly to the CAO and city manager. So they may have worked for longer, but this is their work at the senior level. And I’ve been informed that our city manager, Lynn Livingston has reached the 10-year mark serving in the highest capacities of our organization.

And so I would like Council to join me in congratulating her on this milestone and thanking her for the incredible work that her and her team does for us each and every day. So 10 more to go, right? We can only wish. We’re happy to have you as long as you’d like.

Moving on to the agenda, there are no review of confidential matters to be considered in public. That brings us to Council in closed session. Colleagues will see a number of the items listed on the public agenda. There’s nothing additional in the added range.

Okay, so there’s nothing additional than what’s on the public agenda. All of the reasons are there. I’ll look for a motion to move into closed session. Councilor Hopkins, seconded by Councilor Palosa.

Any discussion on moving into closed session? Seeing none, okay, we’ll open that for voting. Councilor Cuddy, closing the vote. Motion carries 15 to zero.

Okay, so we’ll move into closed session. For those in the gallery, please take your items with you. When we’re completed closed session, you’ll be able to come back in to review the public session when we return to that format. Recording in progress.

Okay, we’re back in public session. We move on to item five, which is confirmation and signing of the minutes for previous meetings. We have the eighth meeting held on April 4th. I’ll look for a mover and a seconder for the minutes there.

Moved by Councilor Raman, seconded by Councilor Cuddy. Any discussion or changes to the minutes? Seeing none, we’ll open that for voting. Closing the vote.

Motion carries 15 to zero. Okay, next colleagues. Under communications and petitions, you’ll see a series, well, there’s two items related to, items related to convening as the approval authority for the expropriation of lands, which we will be doing now. Just a quick overview.

It is like a four step process. Essentially, what we do is we move to convene as the approval authority. We make a recommendation as the approval authority and we come back and we basically journey the approval authority, come back as Council and receive the recommendation of the approval authority and make it final decision as Council. So there’s a couple of steps in the process, but there’s any questions along the way you can let me know.

So first, for us to move to convene as the approval authority, I need to move on a seconder for the motion. The Council essentially sit as the approval authority on the advice of the deputy city manager with respect to expropriations of lands related to a project known as the Wellington Gateway Project. So I’ll look for a move on a seconder to sit as the approval authority. Moved by Deputy Mayor Lewis, seconded by Councillor Hopkins.

Any discussion? Okay, we’ll open that for voting. Motion carries 15 to zero. Okay, colleagues, step two.

This is where I’ll look for a move on a seconder for the recommendation that’s contained within the report, which essentially approves the expropriation of lands for the reasons that you see within the motion and obviously subject to the approval issued by the clerk on behalf of the approval authority in prescribed form. You can see that motion. I need to move on a seconder for that and then I can see any questions. Councillor Palose, seconded by Councillor Layman.

Discussion on this part? Seeing none, then we’ll open that motion for voting. Opposed in the vote. Motion carries 15 to zero.

Okay, now I need a motion to adjourn the meeting of the approval authority. Councillor Hopkins, seconded by Councillor McAllister. Any discussion? Seeing none, then we will open the motion for adjournment of the approval authority.

And then we will reconvene as council. Opposed in the vote. Motion carries 15 to zero. Okay, now that we’re sitting as council, we have a recommendation from the approval authority.

You may remember it for just a few minutes ago. Would someone like to move a motion that supports that recommendation of the approval authority? Councillor Caddie, seconded by Councillor McAllister. Any discussion?

Seeing none, we’ll open that for voting. Opposed in the vote. Motion carries 15 to zero. Okay, the only other item in communications and petitions is item 6.3, which is related to the comprehensive review of the London Plan in terms of reference.

We have a motion to refer that to the relevant item in the agenda, Councillor Close and moves. Seconded by Councillor Fuehrer, any discussion? Okay, we’ll open the vote for the referral of that to the relevant area in the agenda for voting. Opposed in the vote.

Motion carries 15 to zero. Okay, we have no motions for which notice was given. On to reports, which is section eight. We have the first item in that area is the seventh report of the Planning and Environment Committee.

I will turn it over to the chair, Councillor Layman. Thank you, Mayor. I will be pulling number six, 3.1, number eight, 3.3, and number nine, 3.4, and primarily due to some housekeeping amendments that we have to make to those motions. And I will also be pulling number 10.

Councillor Fuehrer has an amendment that he’d like to introduce. I’ve been made of, I’m not aware of any other items that Councillors wish to pull at this time. Okay, so you’re willing to make a motion. I will just first off, we’ll check to see if colleagues want anything else dealt with separately other than what’s been identified by Councillor Layman.

Okay, seeing none, you can graph the motion. Okay, so I’d like to put, see 8.1 through to 8.5, 8.7, and 8.11 on the floor. Okay, so 8.1 through five, seven, and 11 all together, moved by the chair. Any discussion on those items?

Seeing none, we’ll open that for voting as soon as it’s ready. Those in the vote, motion carries 15 to zero. Councillor Layman, thank you. Prior to putting number six on the floor, just asked the chair for indulged me a minute or two to consult with the clerk.

Okay, go ahead. Thank you, chair. So I would like to put an amendment on the floor for 3.1. This is the modifications to public site plan holding provisions as a result of bill 23.

The previously considered by-law contained administrative errors, and essentially there were some typos that were included in the by-law. So I would like to correct that with this amendment. Okay, so the chair will put the amendment on the floor. That’s fine.

So need a seconder, Councillor Hopkins. Move the second, any questions on the amendment? Okay, then we’ll open the amendment for voting. Those in the vote, motion carries 15 to zero.

I will move a number six as amended. Thank you. Since it’s amended, I need a seconder for that. Councillor Hopkins is willing to second.

Any discussion on the motion as amended? Okay, we’ll open that for voting. Those in the vote, motion carries 15 to zero. Thank you.

I’ll move on to number eight. Again, there’s a small change that needs to be made here. This is some housekeeping amendments to the London Plan. Previously considered by-law referenced the London Plan and should have referenced the official plan for the city of London 2016.

So I would like to put that amendment on the floor. Okay, seconder for the amendment. Councillor Cady, any discussion on the amendment? We’ll open the amendment for, oh, was that discussion, Councillor Hopkins, or just?

Okay, sorry. Okay, we’ll open that for voting then. Those in the vote, motion carries 15 to zero. Thank you.

And I’d like to put number nine, 3.4. Chair, as amended, you can put the as amended motion on first. Absolutely. I apologize.

So I’ll move as amended. Okay, and seconded by Deputy Mayor Lewis. Any discussion on the as amended motion? Seeing none, we’ll open that for voting.

Those in the vote, motion carries 15 to zero. Thank you. Now I would like to proceed to number nine, 3.4, and the same reasoning. We referenced the London Plan and should have been the official plan for the city of London 2016.

So I would like to move that amendment. Seconded by Councillor Hopkins, any discussion on that amendment? Seeing none, we’ll open that for voting. Councillor Hillier, thank you.

Closing the vote, motion carries 15 to zero. Thank you, so I’d like to move that motion as amended, amendment number nine. Okay, seconded by, it’s a ramen. Any discussion on the motion as amended?

Seeing none, we’ll open that for voting. Closing the vote, motion carries 15 to zero. Thank you. So I’d like to move on to number 10, and I understand Councillor Ferrer has an amendment to number 10.

Okay, but you’re willing to put the original motion. I will put the original motion on the floor. Okay, the original motion’s on the floor, Councillor Ferrer. Thank you, Your Worship and Chair, through you.

From our discussion that we had with the developer today, we did have some momentum with the municipal housing team, and we have agreed to meet back again, just so they can get more details on how it is that we could maybe find some space to put some affordable units in there. So I wanted to attach this amendment just to direct staff to continue those conversation. Can you just read your amendment so the public knows exactly what it is? I can.

So item 10 as amended is that specific administration, including but not limited to the staff of the municipal housing development team be directed to work with the applicant to provide for affordable housing units in the above noted proposed development. It being noted that any such units could be part of the road map to 3,000 affordable units as well as assist with council’s strategic focus to increase access to a range of quality affordable housing options. Seconder, seconded by Councilor Troso. So the amendment is moved and seconded.

I’ll open any sort of debate or discussion on the amendment. Deputy Mayor Lewis. Thank you, Your Worship. And first of all, thanks to Council for our for circulating this in advance.

That’s always appreciated. Through you, Chair, my concern with this is around, be directed to work with the applicant to provide for affordable housing units. We don’t know what, whether or not the developer will agree to include any. I’m happy to hear that some discussion was had with them today.

That’s a positive step. But there’s, for me, what I’m struggling with is there’s not a lot of specifics in here as to what the expectation from staff would be. And certainly, given that we approved this at planning as it was, the developer, in my opinion, wouldn’t have any obligation to come back with any affordable units. The fact that they’re willing to talk to us is great.

But through you, I wanna ask our staff what their interpretation of this direction would be in terms of continuing the discussion. And what this means in terms of the approval and timelines, in terms of it moving forward to a site plan, anything like that. Because one thing I’m not interested in doing is basically having this turn into a referral. So if we can get some clarification from staff on that, that’s my first question.

Mr. Mathers. Through your worship, our understanding of this as proposed is that this would be just, as it explicitly states working with them, so there’s not an obligation. But we just gives us the opportunity to have some further conversations, to see if there is some funding that can align with what they’re suggesting, but it wouldn’t actually be a referral back.

It would just be us continuing to have that conversation much as we do with other people that are just participating with 3,000 unit program. Okay, that’s appreciated. ‘Cause without a target number of units or where funding might come from, that was a concern I had. In a more general ongoing discussion, that’s fine.

I do wanna be clear though, ‘cause what I didn’t quite get is through you, Mr. Chair, the timelines. Are we impacting timelines with this direction in any meaningful way? I mean, I understand that, you know, maybe it might be a day or two before a meeting could be arranged, but in a meaningful way, are we delaying any work going forward?

Go ahead. For your worship, no, we’re not causing any delay, and there is no obligation, as you’re aware, in terms of compelling, in terms of the affordable housing units. However, we’ll continue to work with the proponent, and we can build in these clauses as part of our development agreement for the site plan, which ultimately gets registered on title. Okay, so just to wrap up then, hearing that this can go through site plan and get registered on title, it doesn’t have to come back to planning and environment committee.

It can move forward that way. I’m comfortable supporting this. I will say, and this is not directed to Councilor Ferreira, specifically, I wanna be really clear about that, ‘cause I actually appreciate that he’s put in some work and met with the developer and move this forward. But I would encourage all members of Council, if you’re having discussions with developers about projects in your ward, it’s ideal that those happen before they come to planning committee, rather than working between planning committee approval and a Council meeting.

I know that in this case, this was the timeline that Councilor Ferreira had, so I know it’s coming to Council because of that. But I think we always get notices of applications coming forward in our wards. I would encourage all members of Council to engage with the builders, the developers, when you get that notice, reach out to the contact on that notice and have a discussion with them then, so that hopefully, because at planning committee, we actually could, through special area provisions, include some more specifics on this, than rather just in a discussion moving forward. So, just some food for thought for people as they move forward with these applications in their wards.

Okay, have Councilor Hopkins, then Councilor Trossa. Yeah, thank you, your worship. And I do wanna thank the ward Councillor for doing his due diligence and working with the developer and with staff moving. This amendment, that’s all we’re doing, is amending the recommendation that was approved at planning.

And I know a planning committee, we did have a conversation about the affordable housing and how we can get units. And maybe that’s a question through you, your worship, that I’d like to ask staff, since we do not have tools for affordable housing any longer, what are opportunities that we have, if any at all, and what can we expect in the future? I think everyone knows the importance of having these affordable units. I was fortunate to be on planning committee the past couple of years where these large applications, 35 story, lots of units coming forward, always having those opportunities for affordable housing and now we no longer see them.

So just would like to a little bit more information on what we can expect. Mr. Mayors. Through your worship, there’s actually a few different opportunities we have right now.

So there’s been some changes to the provincial legislation that is opening up some opportunities for discounts related to development charges for affordable units. So we’re hoping that that’s something that the industry will take up. Some opportunities like this one, where we can work with people that are coming forward with buildings, that’s another opportunity and also on that advocacy piece of just letting the province and the federal government know how important affordable housing is and that we need tools and mechanisms to make sure that that housing happens. Councillor Hopkins.

Yeah, I just wanna reiterate the importance of the messaging that we’re sending as a city that affordable housing units are important in our community. Again, thank you to the ward councillor for doing his due diligence and hoping this council will be supporting this amendment. Councillor Troz have. I also wanna just second what was just said.

I really appreciate the ward councillor taking this up, whether it was before or after the planning committee. The fact of the matter is he took this up in a very diligent and responsible way. We need to send a stronger message that we take the inclusion of affordability very seriously. And if we don’t have the tools, we have to find some or we have to be more clever in terms of our negotiations.

But I would not be comfortable just sitting back right now and having this go through without at least this additional opportunity to raise this point. So again, thank you very much. And I’ll be supporting the amendment. Any other speakers to the amendment?

Councillor Layman. Thank you. Yeah, we’re in a different time period than we were in the past term. This would have been an area we’re bonusing for sure would have come into play.

The province has moved that tool out of our tool kit. Negotiations are there if you have leverage. The province has moved a lot of leverage. That being said, I think the councillor has done a good job and there’s a major development here downtown where we can start to learn and craft ways of speaking to developers and finding other ways that have been mentioned.

And when we can work with a developer, we all recognize affordable housing is crucial during these times. I think this is a learning process, both for developers and for staff. So time to start learning and having those conversations and we’ll have to learn from their perspective as well what they’re speaking to make it financially viable to get these projects going. ‘Cause I concur with the deputy mayor, I don’t want to see any delay in getting things built.

We need housing stock, this is downtown. This is an important location, important for concerns that I raised at planning, a double tree hotel owner owns his property, is developing it. I don’t want to see that hotel being impacted as it’s such a crucial piece economically for our receipt place. So thank you, Councillor.

And I will follow this with staff to see, you know, I want to hear more about how the conversations go and how they can be applied to future development. I will support the amendment. Okay, any other speakers to the amendment? Okay, seeing none.

So the amendment is moved and seconded. We’ve had some debate. I’m going to open it for voting now. The motion carries 15 to zero.

Okay, and now we have a motion that has been amended. I don’t know if you’re on the floor. So I have amended a motion on the floor. Okay, and I need a seconder since it’s been amended.

Councillor Ferriero, would you like to second? Okay, all right, moved and seconded. Any discussion on the now amended motion? Seeing none, we’ll open that motion as amended for voting.

Close on the vote. Motion carries 15 to zero. Thank you, Mayor. That concludes the seventh report of the Planning Environment Committee.

All right, thank you very much. 8.2 is the seventh report of Corporate Services Committee. I will turn it over to the deputy mayor. Thank you, Your Worship.

I’m pleased to put the committee report on the floor. However, I do believe in just a moment, just want to find the number, make sure I’ve got the right one. Do you believe Councillor Trussau had an item that he wanted to vote against? Oh, that might be the next report, never mind.

I’m gonna put the whole report on the floor unless somebody wants to pull something. Okay, does anybody want anything dealt with separately in the seventh report of Corporate Services Committee? Okay, then you can make a motion for the whole report. So that’s moved.

Any discussion on the items in the Corporate Services Committee? I’m gonna make one comment just from the chair. Within this, you’ll see, and it probably comes as no surprise that I come in on this, having served as a member of the board of directors for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for I think over four years now, I sit now on the big city mayors of that organization and so I won’t be running for re-election. I think it’s incredibly important that we maintain a presence on the board and I want to thank Councillor Frank for putting her name forward.

I will tell you though, it’s a lot easier to win the vote if colleagues take the time to show up in Toronto in May and support the Councillor in her bid, even if you can’t come for the whole conference, perhaps you could make it down for the voting and certainly I will be there to help her campaign and advocate for the continued seat belonging to London. Certainly reach out to those I know across the province as well and encourage them to support the Councillor. So I’d encourage you to do the same if you have connections, kind of looking at Councillor Hopkins here and hopefully with your support of Council, good luck in May, Councillor Frank. Deputy Mayor Lewis.

Sorry, your worship. I do just want to check with Councillor Trussow. I was looking at the right number. Item nine on the corporate services is the members of Council COVID policy and Councillor Trussow was opposed that committee but he’s indicated he doesn’t need a poll to vote against here.

So we can still deal with the whole report. Okay, that’s good. And I will share that I do have my hotel and train booked for Toronto. So Councillor Frank can count on my support.

Excellent, okay. Any other discussion on the corporate services report, all of the items? Okay, seeing none, we’ll open that for voting. Opposed in the vote.

Motion carries 15 to zero. That concludes the seventh report on the corporate services committee. Okay, 8.3 is the seventh report of the community and protective services committee. I will turn that over to Councillor Plaza.

Thank you. I’ll put the, a motion was circulated in advance regarding the temporary winter response. So I believe that the mover and seconder would like that pulled then. Okay, so I’m pulling number five that leaves one through four.

Everything was a unanimous vote at committee looking to see if anything else would like to be pulled. Does anybody want anything else pulled from items one through four? No, okay, Councillor. Thank you, items one through four are on the floor.

All was unanimous and the majority of our conversation was focused around item five, which we’ll deal with next. Any discussion on items one through four? Okay, that’s moved by the chair and we’ll open that for voting. Opposed in the vote.

Motion carries 15 to zero. Councillor Plaza. Thank you, item five. The winter response community accountability working group funding reallocation request was discussed at length the committee.

It was a, it passed, you name us. The conversation focused around the funding third party over the funders, but the third party working group that organized the conversation that they set their priority amongst themselves looking at the community in a response of what’s needed and they bring their proposal to the city of looking to reallocate some funding to make sure as they see what’s needed in the community they could respond quickly and appropriately. I would direct any questions through staff as it is obviously an evolving situation to care for those in our community who are struggling and some who just need extra help with spaces to feel like they’re part of the community shelter beds and food security. Okay, so Councillor, you’ll put the recommendations that came from the committee on the floor.

Okay, so that recommendation is on the floor. I’ll look to speakers. I know an amendment was circulated so I could go to the mover or the suggestion of the amendment now if you’d like. Go ahead.

Thank you Mayor Morgan and the chair. We did fully support the amend or the emotion to reallocate the unspent funds for the winter response. So the community accountability working group had come back with asking us to reallocate the money to Arcade Salvation Army Center of Hope and CMHA Coffee House which I have no issues with at all. The amendment here is around amending number D only and it takes the current, currently there’s a $325,000 second payment that’s going from June to November that will provide six months.

They’re ramping up to hopefully 20 overnight beds for women only. I’ve confirmed three times now it will not be 24/7. So what I’m recommending is that instead of doing that 325,000 where the 24 hours will not be achievable and right now we don’t have any beds and we’re going up to 20. We could take that 325,000, give 262,000 to Center of Hope for six months.

This would give 16 shelter beds, eight for men, eight for women. It would be a 24 hour shelter which means don’t have to go out in the heat or the rain, three meals per day plus snacks on site 24/7 security would be provided for the operation that houses 230 plus residents, staff and the King’s College students who are providing the free counseling program to residents. The alignment of the contracts to support the approved expansion of the shower program through Salvation Army Center of Hope and also the CME take just one sec. Think it would be helpful if you could read the actual text of the motion.

I can get the seconder to just confirm that they’re good with motion. Then you can continue with your support for the motion but I’d like to actually get the motion on the floor and since it was circulated, the public hasn’t seen it. That’s why I was reading it out. Yeah, so I don’t need the whole preamble readout.

That’s yours to make your case for. What I need you to read out just so the public is aware of the actual amendment clause that we would be considering that would be up on the screen for voting and that’s the part near the end of your letter where you want to add a new Part D if you could read that piece out so people know exactly what it is. I’ll confirm with the seconder that they’re good. We’ll get it on the floor and then you can make the case.

Okay, sounds good. So I have worked with the clerk’s office and the amendment that I’ve got bringing forward says that clause 2.4 of the seventh report of the Community and Protective Services Committee be amended as follows. A, by adding the following new Part D, D that 325,000 of the original allocation to lend in CARES safe space be reallocated for one, a one-time contract amendment as per the above-noted Procurement Policy Section 20.3e with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Thames Valley Addictions and Mental Health Services in the upset amount of 63,000 and two, a one-time contract amendment as per the above-noted Procurement Policy Section 20.3e with the Salvation Army Center of Hope in the upset amount of 262,000 and B, the existing Part D and remaining parts of the clause be renumbered. Okay, and Council Proville, you wrote a letter you’re ruling the second, okay?

So that’s moved and seconded. Councilor Stevenson, now you can go ahead with your, making the case. And I’ll start a speakers list on this as well. Okay, so I won’t reread what I already read, but basically Council has before them an opportunity to, to reallocate the 325,000 to two organizations who can provide more service, more immediately and for, you know, better value for the money.

So the question that I get is, you know, why am I doing this? And the reason is super clear, there are no beds and it will not be 24/7. What came before Council, if we remember, there was the hunger strike and this winter response came from that, $5 million to be an emergency winter response, temporary funding to save lives. And Council approved 650,000 for up to 20 beds with 15 emergency shelter beds for winter alerts and it was to be 24/7.

And I think everyone has agreed all along what is needed are beds and 24/7 shelter access. So the only reason to do this is because the services that we were told would be provided cannot, will not be provided. And we have agencies who are ready and willing to do offer those services and more right now. And the community accountability working group has already recommended these two groups.

So that’s the reason why I’ve chosen the Center of Hope and CMHA Coffee House is because it is what the community accountability working group recommended and spent funds. So what came up in the CAHPS committee was that we were defunding them. And I found that very disconcerting on a few different levels. One is it was only temporary funding.

So we are defunding this program as of November 30th. That was always the plan. So there shouldn’t be huge shock around that. And if literally the agency’s viability depends on this temporary funding, I think it raises some even more serious concerns because that is not what this money is for.

It’s temporary funding for shelter services for the homeless. Is this emergency response about the organization or is it about the homeless? Because I repeatedly am under attack but that I am attacking safe space. And the only reason I even use that word is because there is no other name for the shelter project.

Who is benefiting from this money? I mean, if it’s about servicing the homeless which is what this temporary winter response is, then I’m asking my fellow counselors to let’s keep that in mind. That’s what this is about. So in a nutshell, I really don’t want to hear all the great things about safe space because this isn’t about them.

They are funded through the multi-year grants process. They are a separate entity doing good work. This isn’t about them. This is about emergency winter response.

And I don’t want to hear negative things about Salvation Army because that’s what came up in caps as well. They were recommended by the Community Accountability Working Group. They were suggested for the unspent money. That is why it’s brought up.

You got about 30 seconds left, Counselor. Okay. Well, the mayor had said delays are not measured and days they are measured in deaths. These are delays.

We’ve got the group that, Londoners hold us responsibly and rightfully so. We say that we are open and transparent. So here it is. We have $325,000 left.

You are on the public record as to how you want to spend it. More money isn’t going to be the answer to this serious issue if it doesn’t actually go to the people who need it. Okay. Thank you, Councilor, I’ve got a speaker’s list.

I have Councilor Raman, Councilor Ferreira, and then Councilor Plosas so far. Go ahead. Thank you and through you, Chair. I’m just wondering if it’s possible.

I have a question of illegal nature. I’m just wondering if I could be able to ask that question to Mr. Card. Thank you.

So you would like to go into camera for a question. Thank you. I would like to go in camera to ask a question, Mr. Card.

Okay. I appreciate some advance notice on this so that a reason has been provided by the clerks. I just, I’m gonna have the clerks read out the reason ‘cause it’s not on the regular agenda. So the reason for going to camera and then I will look for a seconder for the motion.

Actually, you know what? There is a seconder for the motion, but I want the reason to be out there so people know the reason first. So the motion will read that Council convene in closed session to consider a matter pertaining to advice that is subject to solicitor client privilege with respect to the informed winter response. Okay.

So that’s a motion to go into camera, moved by Councilor Raman, seconded by Councilor Ferreira. Any discussion? No? Deputy Mayor Lewis?

Thank you, Your Worship. I’m just wondering if Mr. Card and his team are aware of the nature of the question, given that we’ve got some language and if it’s been their advice that it actually does need to go in camera, our city solicitor occasionally has responded that he can provide a response in public. So before we start moving everybody out and moving into a closed session, is that his recommendation?

Yes, I, so I was slightly given a heads up with this and confirmed with this regard, but I’ll let him speak for himself that the nature of the inquiry should be done in camera. Mr. Card, could you make some comments? Thank you, Your Worship.

I confirm that I do believe this is the matter that should be dealt with in camera. Okay, so any Councilor Palosa? Thank you as we are looking at moving in camera, wondering if any other Councilors would have questions for in camera that would be covered by this motion or if anything would need to be slightly amended that recovered at all. Just before we go in and out for we’re not going in and out repeatedly.

Well, we’re going in for legal advice. So as long as you’re looking for legal advice, there would be the ability to ask questions. If you want to go in for a reason that isn’t legal advice, I would not be allowing any questions unrelated to asking our solicitor for legal advice related to the matter before us. Anybody else?

Any questions before I call the vote on going in camera? Great, okay. So we’ll open the vote for moving into camera. Opposed in the vote?

Motion carries 15 to zero. My apologies to the audience. We don’t usually go in camera twice, but sometimes matters arise where we need to do that. And so if you could please take your items with you.

As soon as we’re done, we’ll open the door so she can come back in for the public debate on this item. Okay, we’re back in public session. Just to clean this up, I’m going to have Deputy Mayor Lewis just report out on the in-camera session. Thank you, Your Worship.

I’m happy to report out that we did go in camera for legal advice, legal advice was received, progress was made on the matter for which we were in camera. Okay, so we’ll return to the speakers list. And for those who can’t recall, Councillor ramen asked to go in Council for legal advice, but she’s still on the list. So now that we’ve done that, I’ll go back to her for her remaining time, which is pretty much all the time ‘cause it was just a quick question to go in camera.

So go ahead with your debate. And just to remind everybody, ‘cause that is speakers list going in. I have Councillor Ferreira, Councillor Ploza, Councillor Pribble and myself on the list still. So if you want to be added to that, let me know.

Thank you and through you, Chair. So I have some questions and some comments. I’ll start first with my comments. And my comments, I guess I’ll start with just a quick conversation had today around where things are with safe spaces.

So my understanding, and I think worthy of congratulations, is that safe spaces has 15 beds opening on April 29th. Being that the organization within the last month and a half has taken hold of this property and now been able to, within a month and a half, put in that 15 beds. So meeting the conditions of the up to 20 beds. I think that that therefore satisfies the request.

Yes, we would have liked to have seen this happen quicker. Yes, ultimately, we understand that there are things that stand in the way of organizations getting up to and getting started as they wanted to when they were allocated the funds. But my understanding is between March 14th and April 14th that there have been 862 service engagements, over 200 showers, over 100 loads of laundry. I just don’t see how the organization could do more than what they are doing.

It seems like they are doing the best they can and continue to improve the services that they are providing. My understanding is that part of the agreement was for the agency to be 24/7. Just wanted to check in with staff. My understanding is right now they’re at 18 hours and is with the addition of the beds on April 29th.

Will that move them to 24 hours? Therefore fulfilling all the conditions, thank you. Go ahead. Thank you, Your Worship and through you.

Yes, Safe Space is currently offering services at 18 hours per day with the provision of the overnight beds by April 29th. Those hours may increase, but they also may just adjust. So as they ramp up their staffing model and they work within their budget. And as Safe Space operates, they submit their monthly actuals to London Cares and are reimbursed based on the actual expenses incurred.

So at this point, they’re staying within budget and they’re ramping up their service delivery model. Whether that gets to a full 24/7 we will see, but right now it is seven days a week, 18 hours a day. All right, Council Member Ron. Thank you, then to follow up.

So just so that I’m clear and my understanding is clear, right now with the way that they’re operating, they are paying the costs upfront and then we are reimbursing them. Mr. Dickens. Thank you.

So again, the London Cares has entered into a legal financial agreement with Safe Space. And that is the terms of the agreement between London Cares and Safe Space. Is that expenses are submitted and they are reconciled on a monthly basis. So they have received a payment for services rendered up until the end of March 31st is my understanding through London Cares.

Okay, next I have Councillor Ferreira. I’ll just, ‘cause I know we had an in-camera session where everybody gets it down, but Councillor Plos is presenting the report. Councillor Stevenson is moving a motion. So I’ll just remind you, go ahead, Councillor Ferreira.

Thank you, Your Worship. Through you, I did have some questions before. Councillor ramen actually asked some of my questions as well. So if I could just not count this as my time to speak and just wait and I’ll just round up some questions.

I’d appreciate that. Sorry, Councillor say that again. Take me off the speakers list and I’ll put my hand up. Yeah, I’ll put you on later.

You haven’t spoken yet. Thank you. Councillor Plos. Thank you.

Now that we’re all standing and we’re reshuffled. I want to thank the mover and seconder for this motion. I know that might sound odd, but this item has come up in these points of concerned several times at committee, but never became to council for a vote. Once this becomes a decided matter of council, it will be decided matter for a year or until this has been fulfilled as I’m hearing concerns from several across the service providers.

Very worried about the city and our partnership. What’s going on? Are we actually committed to this? Which is taking up a great deal of time and mental and emotional capacity.

Thank you to staff for already clarifying that the beds will be opening on April 29th, 15 of them and that they are currently providing 18 hours of service, giving them some time between guests to clean, make changes and any staff updating they need to do or training. The funding we’re looking at reallocating is the $325,000 that was allocated for them to get. So to me, that is defunding when you’re taking every dollar that they knew they had coming in this report and reallocating it. When London started, we had the London Health and Homelessness Summit.

We welcomed 80 service providers in over two, so over 40 service providers and 200 individuals to the table to set out, implement a plan that’s community driven that will hopefully long and fruitfully serve the community and those who need it most. Outliving election cycles of whatever government’s in power at whatever level being really community driven and result driven. We keep speaking of safe space. The whole of community system response plan has the action accountability working group.

It was their recommendations that come to the community services committee, the cycle. It was their frontline people who know the needs of the community in this moment and those skills and capacity of the organizers at the table of who’s best to take on the work and deliver it in a timely manner. And it is them who chose safe space, Center of Hope, CMHA. I’m not gonna question it as we put our faith in these organizations in London Cares to deliver this plan that’s being community led.

I am not trained in these fields. I don’t serve on the frontline. I take the community feedback when I get it from those who do who have the expertise and training to say what is needed, when is needed in the best way to implement the plan to get us the results we’re seeking. We made a commitment to the organizations to be partners, partners to them and partners with those in need.

I question at this time, if we’re truly committed to it, as I see those questions from the community coming and that this is a reoccurring conversation we’re having taking up great time of their staff time, our staff time, and our time that could be done actually servicing those in need and those on the frontline making a plan that could be a model for other communities to follow as well as we actually have the impact we’re hoping to with the taxpayer money. I’m asking people to colleagues to support the original motion and defeat the one that’s been moved on the floor for it will be then a decided matter of council and we can move on to other business. Thank you. And thank you to all those partners who are part of those 40 organizations, the 200 individuals and those outside of it as well who are supporting our fellow neighbors in need.

Thank you, I have Councilor Pribble next. Thank you, do you know what, this is an issue and we all know that we are in crisis. No doubt we are in crisis and we know that we see that. I myself spent times with people by the river and downtown on a regular basis and the feeling is there as for the Londoners and taxpayers that we are not doing enough and we are kind of on the right track, we are doing good things but on the other hand we are not spending the wheels fast enough.

We are losing people left and right or on a regular basis and in January, how this came about. By the way, I don’t consider this waste of time at all. I think it’s actually great and just for us new Councillors, even for the existing ones, even for the staff because we are coming to a great initiative of the summit and we need to learn from this how we can really work the fastest, the most efficient as we already mentioned during our meeting for us to make a decision middle of April when the funding starts ends and of March is not the best creative planning and being proactive. How this came about, if you think going back 650,000 allocated last year based on certain commitments from an agency, in January during our meeting we were advised that 20 beds are, the new facility has been attained and 20 beds are gonna be in place and we are now, we are what, two, three months later and there was no progress.

And we want, we all care or we should certainly all care about the end results and the same as the Londoner, same as the people on the street, when I hear doing the best they can acting in their best interest, that doesn’t save lives, that doesn’t help people, the actions and results they do. And I’m gonna tell you one thing is, for me, the most important thing is, and I said that in terms of how we move forward, if there’s no better solution, let’s move the funding where we can actually truly help on people and help them as soon as possible. With this proposal or what I’m hearing now, I’ll tell you right now, if I’m hearing 24 hour service April 29th, 15 beds, there is no way, even if I were to charge over the money and put it to someone else, no one can deliver that in that same time. For me, what I care about the people on the streets in the encampments and the more 24/7 and roof over their head, so we save as many lives as possible.

I’m very happy to hear that. I hope that, because again, the very unfortunate agreement we have as a third party and flows through agency, so I hope London cares, will hold the agency accountable. And not because of the agency and whoever the agency is and whoever is running it, but no, in the perspective of the people who are on the street and they do need the help. So I’m really happy to hear that, and because I don’t have, as I said, even if I were in the charge of all that money, I wouldn’t be able to in four days provide a better service than what’s on the table now, and therefore I’m supporting it.

I’m supporting in that case the original motion, because that’s the best, that’s the currently the best we got on the table to save lives and help people on the street. Thank you. So, Councillor, you said you were gonna support the original motion, are you withdrawing your second, or are you leaving that on the floor still? Actually, do you know what?

I’m gonna, I’m gonna still second it, because I do want everyone to have an opportunity around this, how they feel about it. All right, thank you. So I will leave that. I just needed to clarify that, ‘cause there’s two very different paths on that.

I have myself next on the speaker’s list, I’m gonna turn the chair over to Councillor Layman, only ‘cause looking at the speaker’s list, I know Deputy Mayor Lewis is next to others. So, Councillor, and don’t forget to time me. Thank you, I have the mayor on the speaker’s list, you have five minutes starting now. I don’t think I’ll take that long.

I did wanna make a few comments though. First off, I think a number of my colleagues have made some of the comments I would have made, I think Councillor Palosa addressed a number of the things that I would have said. So let me just say a couple of additional things. You know, it was brought up that a lot of this started with the hunger strike in the Forgotten 5.9.

And there were demands associated with that hunger strike and council came to a resolution. But at the base level, what was discussed there was a city-led response versus a community-led response. And we decided to support moving our winter response into a community-led response. And I think a commitment to each other, whether it was the city’s involvement or the individual agencies, that we are dealing with a rapidly changing situation, a situation where we see, you know, lives at risk and even being lost far too often.

And that we’re trying to do our best as a community to find that pathway forward and bring as many people together as possible. Now a community-led response means there is some giving up of control here at City Hall. We are going to rely on partners and partnerships to deliver service. We’re going to require on years and years of expertise in a variety of different agencies to bring forward solutions from those who have been working with those who are trying to help for not just days or weeks, but years in some cases.

And so in this, and I would say too, that this is the model that our whole-of-community response is governed around as well. So the winter response, the whole-of-community response, a model of partnership. We often say that the whole-of-community response is building a bridge as we walk across it. So guess what?

Things aren’t going to be perfect every day of the week. We’re going to make adjustments. Things aren’t going to land exactly as we contemplate. And sometimes, you know, we might have criticisms, but at the end of the day, everybody is ultimately trying to do their best to serve the community.

And in some cases, how to serve that community will shift over time. Might even shift between when we fund or contract an agency and when, you know, the actual delivery of the service happens on the ground. And so what do you have to do in this situation? I think you have to have a lot of trust.

You have to have a lot of trust in the individuals who have served on the front lines for many years, trust in their assessment of an evolving situation, and trust in the leadership they can bring in partnership with the oversight that the city has through the contracts and provisions that it makes to provide these services to those who need it. And I think in this case, I always think about intentions versus impacts, because you can have very good intentions and they can create very negative impacts from time to time. And my worry about the motion as it was constructed is a potential negative impact is an eroding of that trust between agencies as it almost pits funding from one agency to another who can deliver the service the best. And I think, you know, as we build the health and homelessness work out, you know, we need as many people together as possible, and we have to try to avoid situations as best we possibly can that might have the unfortunate impacts of driving us apart or driving wedges between us.

So I appreciate the new information that came out with Council Raman’s response. I think that’s hopefully helpful to debate. I appreciate the legal advice we received in camera. I’m certainly not supportive of the amendment on the floor before us.

And I wanna say to all of the community partners who are working on this, you may see these debates come up from time to time at council. You may see members of council ask questions, challenge ideas and norms. At the end of the day, I want you to know that you certainly have, you know, my full support for the incredible work that you’re doing in our community, your commitment to the health and homelessness work. We don’t expect you to be perfect every day of the week, but we appreciate your experience, your knowledge, and you’re on the ground of necessity to be nimble in the way that you do your work each and every day to serve Latiners who are the most marginalized in our community, whether you use the word marginalized, vulnerable, or the many other terms that said, this is really, really hard work.

It requires trust, it requires patience. Sometimes it doesn’t go exactly as you might perceive it to go, but I certainly will say as mayor, I am very thankful for the dedication of the many individuals who’ve come together in collaboration to try to find a better path forward for our city. So thank you for the comments. Thank you, mayor, and thank you for leading by example, ‘cause you sat down with 20 seconds to spare.

Well done, so I’ll turn the chair back to you. Deputy Mayor Lewis. Thank you, Your Worship, and I’ll try and sit down with 30 seconds left. So I won’t repeat everything that you said.

I certainly appreciate the update that we receive from staff, thanks to Councillor Roman’s question. But I am gonna say this. I do believe that this is an important discussion to be having, because at the end of the day, we are spending public dollars, and we are spending them on a critical issue that from a public perspective, they have not seen a lot of visible progress on. And part of the reason they haven’t is because we can’t keep just doing things the same way we’ve always done, which is the whole point of the whole community response system that Ms.

Livingston and the summit has pulled together with all of our community agencies and partners, and I agree with the Mayor’s comments. It is tough work, and we don’t expect people to be perfect every day. None of us around this horseshoe or in this chamber are perfect every day, no human being is. But I will say what has really disappointed me in just today is this amendment was circulated a few hours before the council meeting.

So it wasn’t on the public agenda. Obviously, someone has shared it out since then, because we’ve gotten a number of emails and text messages, which I hope whoever circulated it does not condone the message of, because frankly, to receive messages calling a councilor racist or hateful for standing up and asking questions about a contract is the same kind of toxic attitude that they’re accusing the councilor of having. It is her job as a duly elected counselor to ask questions about how we are spending public dollars, whether that’s a flow through to an outside agency or whether it’s in-house. So we are going to continue to have these difficult debates, as the Mayor said.

It’s our responsibility to have them. It’s our job to have them. And we want to hear from the community on this as well. However, that communication needs to be respectful.

And that goes for everybody, whether they’re an advocate for an agency, whether they’re a frontline worker, whether they’re somebody with a family member who’s experiencing homelessness. These are tough situations, but it is not a license to send abusive toxic messages to members of council via email or text message, asking us to silence a member of council, which was one of the messages I got today. Don’t let her talk. That’s completely inappropriate.

And when I get those messages, I just want to go on the public record and say this right now. They get deleted. They don’t get responded to because they don’t deserve a response. We have a fiduciary responsibility to ask some tough questions about how money is being spent.

Heck, we just had a tough discussion last week at SPPC about budget setting targets because that’s part of our job. This conversation is part of our job too. I do, however, believe in trying things differently, in giving new organizations an opportunity to succeed. I am really glad to hear that beds are going in because it’s critical that that gets delivered.

So I’m not going to support the motion, but I appreciate the spirit in which it was brought forward to consider allocating funds to get some immediate results. Instead, we’re allocating some funds for perhaps some longer term changes to how we do things. And I’m willing to give that a chance. But I do want to continue to see accountability in terms of how we are using these funds because at the end of the day, we need to get some results.

We need to get some people housed. We need to get some people supported. We need to get people off the streets. And we can’t do that if we just continue to put money into trying to solve the problem without some accountability on how that funding is spent.

So I just want to really, really strongly say, it is our job to ask these questions. It’s not an attack against an agency and it’s not that we don’t care. And that’s the reason I’m going to support the original motion because I think it’s worth giving this a shot. But we’re going to continue to have some difficult discussions and I just want people to keep it respectful.

Councillor Hopkins is next. Yeah, thank you, your worship. So on the amendment then that’s in front of us, I won’t be supporting the amendment, but I do want to thank the Mooger and the seconder for creating a conversation here with Council. I do not sit on the committee.

It is, I’m not an expert as well. I really do rely on staff giving me the information. I appreciate Councillor Ramen’s questions because I’ve learned a number of things here at Council today. So for that, I am very deeply appreciated.

I think I will ask my question through you, your worship right now on the amendment because it does relate to some comments that have been made here about this being a decided matter. So through you to staff, I won’t be supporting the amendment. I will be supporting staff’s recommendation. Do we need to make any changes to that recommendation to be a decided matter?

Just want some clarity while we speak to the amendment. Okay, I’ll go to the clerk for some comment on that. Thank you, Your Worship. So the amendment, as it is, if there’s a future amendment that comes forward, that speaks to the same item.

If it’s voted on today and it is defeated, then it would be a decided matter of Council. So there’s no other wording that needs to be added to the original recommendation and a decided matter of Council cannot be introduced within a 12 month period. I just wanna make sure that we all understand the process. Let me just add some context.

Slightly different thing, a motion can be raised at committee. It can be defeated. It never actually makes it to Council. When a motion is at Council, there is a decision on that motion.

It is a decided matter of Council on the subject of that particular motion. Yes, so they’re slightly different from committee. So, sometimes it’s strategic do committee work at committee and at Council there are consequences to some motions, for sure. Yeah, thank you for that clarity.

And again, I will not be supporting the amendment. Okay, thank you. I have a speaker’s list, but I see two other people wanna be on it. I’ll go to Councillor Layman.

And then I think Councillor Frank, you had to end up in Councillor McAllister. Thank you. We’ve got a huge problem on our hands. It’s been identified by other speakers today.

My concern with government is that when presented with a challenge, that they answer the challenge with money. They say, well, we’ve got an issue with homelessness. So, well, we address it. We put $60 million towards that and we did our job.

Well, if that’s the case, then we’re not doing our job. And I’m encouraged to hear around the issue tonight that people recognize our job is to address those that are suffering on our streets. We’re going to be going into a time of providing really unique solutions to a problem that’s being faced by many communities across North America. And I’m really impressed by the fact that our staff have looked outside the box and have come up with unique solutions that I think is gaining support.

I think the fact that the province announced the monies today is an indicative of that support. However, during this road that we’re embarking on, tens of millions of dollars are going to be spent and it’s incumbent upon us to ensure that that money is used wisely and actually achieves the results that we need to see. So in that spirit, I met with Mr. Dickens last week and we had a full discussion on the checks and balances.

Are we going to see true deliverables on the monies that we’re spending to ensure that the problem is being addressed that we all want to see done? So there’s two aspects of it. One is choosing the partners that we’re going to invest in and contract out to make sure that they’re the right people to do the job. And for my discussions with Mr.

Dickens is that agencies and associations are being properly vetted. We’re determining staff’s determining looking at their ability to deliver and their track record. Can they handle the task at hand? And this is what we do, which when we do with other contracts in the city, when we build a road, we have engineers that build a road and we look at, have they built roads before?

Are they coming in at a cost-effective number? Can they do the job? What we also do with those is those contracts is we have deliverables. And what was very enlightening with my conversation with Mr.

Dickens is that we don’t just hand huge some money over to agencies. And I would like to go through you, Mayor, to Mr. Dickens. So kind to explain to us the process of how monies are parceled out and comment on what’s expected in return of those monies and kind of the process that we go down.

‘Cause we will be doing this more and more as we go down this road. Addressing a procedural matter, but I’m gonna have, did you ask a question, Councillor? I hope our staff heard it because I got like five people speaking to me at once, so go ahead. Thank you, we’re shipping through you.

So when we endeavor to do any of this work, I won’t call it a luxury because I’m sitting beside my colleague, my share here, but we’re not creating roads. And so when we look to provide this type of service, we look to service matter experts to help inform that process. And what we learned through the previous summer was that we at the city had a lot of learning to do. In respect to what we felt were best practices and what we felt were effective programs.

Thankfully, the community was very supportive in that process of walking us through what some best practices are for vulnerable populations and very specific vulnerable populations. Any time that we enter into these types of agreements, funding contracts, service provider arrangements, we try to make sure it aligns with existing plans, whether it be the corporate strategic plan, whether it be the housing stability action plan, the road map to 3,000 units plan, whatever it may be. Following that, we make sure we follow our procurement policy. And with that, we have entered into an agreement with a lead organization such as London Cares that has a strong community reputation with all of the ability to address and satisfy the conditions within the funding agreements that we use under our procurement process.

In those standard form agreements, we have certain obligations that service providers must fulfill. And it is our feeling and it is through our management with London Cares that they are fulfilling those obligations. Your point about not just handing over large sums of public funds with no strings attached, we do make sure that we provide funding in installments that we work to reconcile those expenditures. In fact, April 28th is the reporting date for when we should receive our first financial reporting from London Cares, and that is an administrative process.

And they will be doing their regular monitoring of any subcontractors. The funding agreement we do have in place with London Cares does provide the provision for independent contractors through that lead agency, of which they’ve put their own safeguards in place. So I hope that answers the councilor’s question, but happy to clarify if not. Mr.

Dickens, through you, Chair, if you see that expected deliverables are not being that, what actions would you take at that time, Mr. Dickens? Thank you, and through you, your worship. So our Housing Stability Services team, Mr.

Cooper and his folks, we’re there in regular contact with London Cares, with Losa and with any other funded partner that delivers this type of work. We receive a number of data inputs. Sometimes that data input comes through our hyphen database, which tells us where people have been and which services are accessing and who’s at capacity and who’s not. Those things are monitored on a very regular basis, sometimes depending on the situation on a daily basis.

With our regular check-ins, as it relates to this emergency winter response, if there are items that are way out of scope of the project or out of the process, then we would be sitting down with those service providers with the lead agency. It is not uncommon that Mr. Cooper is on the phone with the executive director of London Cares on probably a daily or multiple times per week basis. It’s a strong working relationship.

It is one that we’ve had to cultivate and improve over the years, but it is one where it is built on a lot of transparency. So if we find that we have beds that are going underutilized or there’s spike in critical incidents, those raise red flags and alarm bells for us to sit down with service providers and ensure we’re taking the proper steps to deliver on the service, but also ensure the safety and well-being of the staff and the participants. So it is through a regular dialogue. We would step in immediately with those service providers and continue through our good working relationships to course-correct if need be.

I would say though, that these service providers have gone above and beyond numerous times to ensure that they’re delivering the best possible service that they can. And we have not had any significant concerns at this point. Thank you. Yeah, so there’s checks and balances, but that doesn’t absolve us as counselors for asking these tough questions that are being asked today.

And that has been mentioned a few times. So I think the counselor for asking tough questions and I expect as we again go down this path, I encourage everyone to ask similar questions agencies of staff that when you’re out and about engaging with the public. And making sure that what we’re doing is getting the effects that we need to see. Because as Mr.

or counselor Pribble said, at the end of the day, we have to stop people from dying and suffering on our streets. So thank you. Colleagues, I’m just gonna, we’re probably gonna regret electing a mayor who’s read the procedure by-law. But, ‘cause we haven’t always done this right in the past and I believe in doing things right.

So I had a request from the, the mover and the seconder to withdraw the motion. I wanna read you section 11.6 of the procedure by-law, which is called withdraw before put requirement. Every motion shall be deemed in the possession of council for debate after it is accepted by the chair. But may, with the permission of council be withdrawn at the joint request of the mover and seconder at any time before the motion is disposed of.

And it is the part that we have not always followed is with the permission of council, which means if there’s not, if someone objects to withdrawing, in other words, my ruling will be, should this request come forward? Is the mover and the seconder wanna withdraw it and a councilor objects, then I’m gonna have a vote on whether or not the motion can be withdrawn, because I deem the, with permission of council to be a majority of vote of council. So, councilor Close, do you have a question about that? They have requested it be withdrawn, or should they, then I object?

Yes, I just was asked the question, can I withdraw the motion? I’m providing some procedural guidance, because as the chair, I will make the call that this is how I’m gonna proceed. If someone doesn’t like the call under the procedure bylaw, you can challenge the chair and the majority of council can overrule me, but I intend to follow the procedure bylaw on this. I would say to committee chairs, this is actually in the committee section as well.

So, for those reviewing the procedure bylaw, you might wanna consider whether this is something we’re gonna do, but given that there are consequences to moving a motion to council and being able to withdraw it in things being permanent, I think it is important, in this case, to follow the procedure bylaw very clearly, in the way that I interpret it, to make sure that it is a decision that is in compliance with the way that we follow our rules. Councilor Trossal. I’ll keep this not on the merits, ‘cause I haven’t spoken to that yet, but this is going to be a procedural question. Should the motion amendment be retracted, and should council allow that to be retracted?

And should there be members of council who feel like we spent a lot of time debating this, and we would still like to see a decided matter of council? Would it be in order for a member of council who is opposed to the amendment to put it back on the table if there’s a second for purposes of getting that decided matter of council? The correct answer to that is yes, and I accept that advice and would say yes. If someone withdrew, someone else can take over the motion if they like.

That being said, the motion is in, in my opinion, the possession of council, and so it will require a majority of us to agree to allow it to be withdrawn at council. So I guess, I do have a speaker’s list, but at this point, I just want to check with the mover and seconder, given what I’ve said, is it your intent to ask if you can withdraw the motion? Yes. Okay, so then I would ask if any member of council objects to the motion be withdrawn.

Okay, then we’re going to craft a motion to authorize the request to be withdrawn. It will require a majority vote of council, in my opinion. And I just want to just check with the clerks to make sure I get the language proper on this. This requires, it says, in the procedure bylaw, it says with the permission of council, and I deem that to be a majority of council, not two thirds, a majority.

So the motion will read, and this will be requested by the mover and seconder. So that pursuant to section 11.6 of the council procedure bylaw, the withdraw of the motion to amend item five, clause 2.4 as proposed by the mover and seconder be approved. So if you vote for this, you’re authorizing the withdraw of the motion. To debate will be over, there’ll be no more motion.

If you deny this, we will continue to debate on the motion in the possession of council, and someone else can take over the mover if necessary. Is this a question? Is it debatable? Is it debatable?

I’ll seek formal advice on that before I make a ruling. Withdraw of a motion is not debatable under the procedure bylaw. So this is simply a vote that we will take. Okay, so the motion on the floor will be that pursuant to section 11.6, as I described, that the withdraw of the motion be approved.

In other words, a vote yes is voting to allow the motion to withdraw to vote no, is saying you don’t want it withdrawn, you want to continue to debate on it. So there’s no debate, so I’m going to open that for voting now. Opposing the vote, motion fails seven to eight. Okay, so we’ll continue to debate on this motion.

Councilor Frank is next. Thank you, yes. I just wanted to share, I won’t be supporting this motion. I find it highly problematic for a couple of different reasons.

I’m just going to highlight them because I think they’ve already been mentioned by a variety of different speakers. But I do think if we move forward with this, we’ll be losing some community trust that we’ve been building over the last couple of months and we’ve been working with the homelessness and health summit. I think we’re about to embark on a very big process that relies a lot on trust. And so I’m hoping to keep that trust existing between the city and the community.

And I think that given that we’ve heard that safe space will be able to open with beds by Saturday, I think the funding will be going to good use and meeting the purpose of what it was originally designed for. And the community is the one who’s kind of indicated what they want funding allocated for. And I think that they seem happy and it seemed like it was a process that satisfied many of the agencies that are involved. And I don’t want to go against what the community is recommending that we do.

So I will be supporting this motion to thank you. Councillor McAllister. Thank you and through the chair echoing the comments that Councillor Frank just said as well. I do think trust is a big part of this discussion.

I think sometimes that’s overlooked. I would also like to speak to the fact that I think that a service provider such as this also speaks to our strategic goal of serving women and girls. And I do think that an agency such as this has had a meaningful impact and to Councillor Robbins points in terms of the stats. I do think that we can go back to the community and show tangible results.

I do think they have served a vulnerable part of the population which is underserved. And they have shown that there is a need for this in the community. There are people who need these services. I do agree.

I mean, the beds, yes, that was part of the discussion, but I don’t view that as a strike against them. I think they’ve provided a very valuable service to a group that we have identified as high needs. And one that we need to service. So I will not be supporting this.

And I do think that we, as Councillor Frank indicated, we need to maintain that trust. We need to stay the course with the collaborative approach we’ve taken. And I think part of that is working with our partners. It’s a very fluid situation.

We’re talking about human beings. And I don’t think that we can just look at this as a static environment. We have to keep the conversation going. And we have to work with our community partners.

Thank you. Councillor Cady. Thank you and through your worship, I want to thank the mover and the seconder for bringing this forward. Councillor Stevenson looks at things with a accountant’s lens.

And I appreciate that as her colleague. You know, we’re trusted. We are stewards of this city, as I mentioned last week. And we are responsible for every penny we spend and every dollar we allocate to different departments.

And I appreciate the fact that Councillor Stevenson and Councillor Pribble took the time and trouble to look through this. And I’m sorry that we haven’t been able to remove this motion off the floor at this stage. But I do want to go on record and saying that I’m very grateful to be able to serve with both of you. And I do want to mention that, you know, I think Councillor Palosa said that not many of us are experts at dealing with those at risk.

And I know Councillor Pribble spends a lot of time on the streets dealing with people. And so if there’s an expert in this room, it’s Councillor Pribble. So I want to thank you both for the work you’ve done through your worship. And well, I won’t be supporting this motion because it actually should be withdrawn by now.

Thank you so much. Point of personal privilege, Councillor Palosa. Thank you. Since I was referenced, and those are the words I said, I do believe there are better experts in the room.

Some of us ourselves have lived experience with homelessness if that counts. Some of us also serve meals out of various organizations in town and do various street outreach. Councillor Pribble has certainly been there. I believe Councillor Stevenson has been there.

Councillor Ferrera and many of us do lots of work. Some of us share on social media. Some of us don’t. And we all take serving the community very seriously.

And I don’t believe it’s up to us to say who’s the experts amongst us on certain things. So thank you to all my colleagues who take time to engage in various street level work in the community. So it’s a point of personal privilege. I’ll just say this.

Every member of council has been elected. Every member of council brings their expertise. And I generally agree, we’re not going to, you know, we shouldn’t get into suggesting who has expertise and who doesn’t. I see nods.

I think that addresses the point of personal privilege will each continue to respect all of each other’s talents. That exhausts my speaker’s list, except for Councillor Troso. Go ahead. I was hoping not to have to say anything because the points of substance have been so well stated by other people.

We received this motion at 11 o’clock this morning for a one o’clock council meeting. This has been a controversy that’s been going on for some time. It’s no secret. So I really want to push back a little bit from the notion that this was good, that this was put on the floor today.

No, this is not good that this was put on the floor today. Because I think that this was, did not have to wait until 11 o’clock two hours before the meeting. So I just feel as if members of the community did not have the opportunity to see this on and at it. And I believe in good faith, this would have been put on an agenda, this would have been put on an agenda in time to be on the, I have to deal with the point of privilege when the point of order is raised.

So I’ll go to Councillor Stevenson on a point of privilege. I need the microphone. I don’t appreciate the good faith comment because unless Councillor Troso wants to ask me the efforts that I’ve done and I can show him all the emails I’ve been dealing with this for over a week. And this was the fastest I could get it done.

It was done in the great deal of good faith. So on the point of personal privilege, much like I mentioned before, regardless of whether or not it is posted on an agenda, Councillors do have the right to raise motions at committee. People’s opinions on whether that is a good idea or not you can have, but it is the right of Councillors, irrespective of people’s opinion, irrespective of how they feel about the notice to raise debate and put motions on the floor at any time. Fair enough.

Let me put it perhaps in a better way. No, I don’t. I’d prefer not to put it in anyway. I’d prefer to say if a comment was made, the Councillor wanted to express their right to move the motion.

I’ve agreed with that. We can move on from that point. You can continue your comments because you still have time left, but we’ll just keep it as the point of order’s been dealt with. And I’m glad that Councillor McAllister raised this.

‘Cause one of the points that really has been lost in this whole discussion to this agency has been doing a lot of good for its clients and it’s been doing a lot of good in the community. And it’s been doing a lot of good for a very, very specific clientele that is underserved that we have recognized as being underserved. So I just wanna take the rest of my time to just apply and thank this agency for the work that they’re doing because I do feel as if there are questions about the beds, yes. But I just feel that in the main, in the main, and in terms of what’s going on in the street and what’s going on in the lives of people that are affected, this is an agency that’s doing good work and I do not wanna lose sight of that.

Thank you. Mad Councillor Pribble wanna speak, but you’ve already spoken, you spoke right before I did. So you’ve, I think people need to read the section on personal privilege and understand it. So if you’re calling a point of personal privilege, you can, but if it’s not a point of personal privilege, I’m gonna move on.

No, do you wanna, I do wanna mention this and I just wanna add one thing is, and that is, I’ll tell you right now, I’m very proud of every single member of this team that we are doing in some sort of community. You can have that point of view, it’s not a point of personal privilege to say what you’re saying now. Share how much you like everybody after the meeting. Like it’s not a point of personal privilege, you’ve already spoken, I’m gonna keep this debate going and keep it tight.

So thank you for your comments earlier, Councillor. Any other, any other speakers who have not spoken to the motion, pretty much just those online. Okay, I don’t see any other speakers. So we have the motion moved and seconded.

I know that it was attempted to be drawn, that was, permission was not given from council. So now we will vote and this is on the amendment. So on the amendment that was proposed, we will open that for voting. Closing the vote, motion is lost, zero to 15.

Okay, so no, that was on the amendment. The main motions on the floor, Councillor Ploza put it on the floor. It wasn’t amended so we can stand without a seconder. Any other discussion on the main motion?

Okay, let’s open the main motion for voting. Sorry, just the recommendation is put as in. Yeah, as put or for good. Clerk will speak to that.

Thank you through the chair. This wording is just to keep the flow of the minutes going and after this motion, it will be, the original committee recommendation will be restated. Thank you. Closing the vote, motion carries, 15 to zero.

Councillor Ploza, is that your report? That concludes my report, thank you. Great, I’m gonna ask colleagues for a 15 minute recess. It’s been two and a half hours.

So I’ll look for a 15 minute recess moved by Councillor Cudi, seconded by Councillor Troceau. All those in favor by hand? Motion carries. Okay, thank you.

Okay, I need everybody to take their seats ‘cause I’m gonna call this meeting back to order. For those online, just give a, give a either camera on or a signal to the clerk’s that you’re there so I know you count towards quorum. See both of them, perfect. Okay, council’s back in session, thank you for the break.

The next item we have is item 8.4, the sixth report of the Civic Works Committee. I’ll turn it over to Councillor ramen. Thank you, in front of you is the sixth report of Civic Works Committee that took place on April 12th. I’d like to move items one or I’ll use the numbers on the original report.

2.1 all the way down to 2.9 with the exclusion of 2.8, or consideration by council. So does anybody else want anything that dealt with separately? It looks like you want to move everything except 2.8? Everything but 2.8.

Okay, everything but 2.8. Any, anybody want anything else dealt with separately? There’s also item number 11, sorry, which is. Oh, you want that separate?

No, we’re gonna put that on. It’s called 5.1, we’re gonna put that on as well. So, Deputy Mayor Lewis, you had your hand up, do you want something separate? Yes, thank you, Chair.

I know staff provided a follow-up to item 10, the Western Road, sorry on your road corridor intersection. Yeah, that’s gonna be separate. So that’s gonna be separate? Yeah, we’re doing that separate.

Perfect, okay. So, Councillor ramen wants to put everything except item 2.8, which is 10 on our agenda on the floor. Does anybody want anything else separate? You can go ahead with that motion.

Yep, thank you, I’ll move that. Any discussion on all of the items with the exception of the Western Road and starting your road item? Seeing none, we’ll open that for voting. Opposed in the vote, motion carries 15 to zero.

Councillor ramen. Thank you, I’d like to deal with item 2.8, which is the Western Road and starting your road, Philippa Z’s Avenue corridor and intersection improvements. So you’ll see from the report attached that there was some back and forth with the committee on how to deal with this particular item. The main reason for the back and forth was around whether or not to approve the EA because of some pedestrian signal changes that were discussed during the committee meeting.

Coming out of that meeting, we basically, in that conversation, realized that we should have probably dealt with the EA and this was a conversation between Councillor Troso and I and our staff. And the reason for wanting to deal with that EA is we don’t want to hold up any of the work, the necessary work that is needed in that area. So what I’m going to ask for you today, which may sound unconventional, is that we defeat the recommendation for 2.8. So I can introduce an updated one that has been agreed by the mover and the seconder.

And so that way we can move forward with the EA but deal with the pedestrians scramble, the discussion around pedestrian signaling, which isn’t really like the full scope of the EA. We can deal with that as a separate matter, which will still come back to committee for discussion. It’s just separating these things out, making it clear that the EA can move forward. We can move forward with this important project.

So I’m hoping that we will defer, defeat this motion 2.8. There were recommendations that’s there and then I can put forward another. Okay, so as the chair, you’ll put the committee’s recommendation on the floor, but you’re encouraging colleagues to defeat it. Is there any discussion on that?

‘Cause the first step is defeating the committee’s motion if you agree with what was said there. Okay, looks like there’s no discussion. So that means the original committee motion is on the floor, which the chair is asking us to defeat. I will open that for voting.

Opposing the vote, motion is lost, zero to 15. Okay, I’ll go to the committee chair. Thank you. I’ve shared some language with the clerk regarding the updated language that we’re looking for for 2.8.

And it is very similar to the original language, which was around the environmental study going forward. So I’ll just, if it’s helpful, I’ll read this in. So the following actions be taken with respect to the environmental study report for the Western Road and Sarnia Road, Phillip Aziz Avenue Corridor in intersection improvements. A, the environmental study report for the Western Road and Sarnia Road, Phillip Aziz Avenue Corridor.

B, intersection improvements be revised to include more assessment at pedestrian priority traffic signal, phasing, intersection scramble in brackets. At the Western Road, Sarnia Road, Phillip Aziz Avenue intersection during the project design phase. B, civic administration be directed to report back to council committee on the assessment of future signal operations during the project design phase. C, the environmental study report for the Western Road and Sarnia Road, Phillip Aziz Avenue Corridor, intersection improvement be accepted subject to the revision in clause A, D, a notice of study completion for the project be filed with municipal clerk and E, the environmental study report be placed on the public record for a 30-day review period.

So I’m moving that. Thank you. I need a seconder for that since we defeated the community recommendation counselor, Trossaou, I know that’s in your area. So that’s moved and seconded.

Any discussion on that, you’ll be able to see it shortly on your screen, okay? Councilor Trossaou, go ahead. Yeah, I just— You can stand up. No, I want to clarify one point, and that is by exercising the language from the environmental assessment that created in the minds of the committee members the problem, we are able to move forward with the environmental assessment and not be bound by what we thought the negative language in there was, which means moving forward, we can consider a scramble.

Whereas under the environmental assessment, as it was drafted, the scramble was taken off the table. So I just want to clarify that, especially for other counselors who are not at the committee and also for members of the public, because I know there’s quite a bit of interest in this. But this I think was a very, very good way to sort of reserve the issues that we want to see just at the intersection and move forward with the very, very necessary environmental impact report. Thank you, any further comments?

Okay, so what you have now is the new motion that Councilor Raman just read out. On the floor, moved and seconded. We’ll open that for voting. Councilor’s approval and Trossaou, thank you, closing the vote.

Motion carries 15 to zero. Thank you, that completes the report. Okay, the next report is 8.5, the 13th report of the SPPC. This is the one related to the strategic plan.

We’re gonna have Deputy Mayor Lewis present that. Thank you, Your Worship and through you. I’m prepared to put the 13th report of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee on the floor. This is the finalization of Council’s 2023 to 2027 strategic plan.

I will share with you, Your Worship, as you had to join us remotely and weren’t able to participate in the whole meeting that we are extremely efficient for an SPPC and finished in 18 minutes. Of course, that follows hours and hours and hours and hours of staff and Council work going into this. So, I just wanna take the opportunity to once again, thank Ms. Livingston and her team and particularly Ms.

Wilcox and Mr. Steinberg for all the work that went into getting this final version before us. Sure, and I’m gonna add myself to the speaker’s list. I’m gonna pass the chair over to Councilor Raman.

Thank you, I recognize I had the chair and my first speaker is Mayor Morgan. Thank you and I appreciate the quip from the Deputy Mayor about running a meeting in 18 minutes. I was busy meeting with the Premier and we got $8 million today. And, but I do wanna talk about the strategic plan and the work that Council’s done.

I certainly appreciate all of the dialogue we had colleagues and to come to a consensus where we can all, hopefully today support the strategic plan is contemplated, I think is a testament to all of the work that you did within the process, as well as all the engagements that you did with your constituents on this important document, which will guide our direction for the next couple of years. I know that we will have a debate about how to fund and pace the strategic plan. That debate is not today though, that is for the multi-year budget. Today, I think we can take pride in the work that we’ve done to craft a document that hopefully we can all be supportive of.

And with that, I do want to say a couple of words about our staff crafting a document of this magnitude, preparing us with all the information that we have, having the many, many, many hours of meetings that it took for us to find that path forward together, even some extra meetings that we reserved in the calendar, would not be successful without the work of our city manager, Ms. Wilcox, and of course, every division in the city who fed information, documents, engagements, into the strategic planning process, whether they were working on the back end and supporting our work, whether they were out in the community, running and supporting some of the engagement activities with landowners across the city. I just wanted to take a moment to say on behalf of all of council, thank you to the staff team for the support on one of our most important documents for this term of council. And again, thank you to my colleagues for the work that you did on the strategic plan, and I look forward to voting for it today.

Thank you, I’ll return the chair, noting that Councilor Hopkins is on the list. Councilor Hopkins. Yes, thank you, Your Worship, and I too, I wanna thank staff for the great work, but I would also like to thank you for allowing us to have the debate and the conversations here on the floor for the public to see. We just had a conversation today, a council, the importance of having conversations that the public can view and listen to us, and I really want to thank you for, even though some of those evenings were quite wrong, and I didn’t even think I could make it to the 11th hour, I really do appreciate listening to my colleagues, learning, understanding, and having those conversations.

So thank you. And the other speakers to this item. With that, we will open the floor for voting, and this series of motions includes approval of our 2023 to 2027 strategic plan. Opposed, and the vote, motion carries 15 to zero.

Thank you, Deputy Mayor. I will have you present the 14th report of SPPC. So go ahead. Thank you, Worship.

I am happy to present the 14th report of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee. We did have some divided votes, but I’ve not been made aware by any members of council that they wish items pulled. So if you wish to pull a council now for any items that wish pulled, that would be appropriate. Councilor Van Mirberg, in which you wanted an item dealt with separately.

Yes, and vote on item nine, 5.2, separately, please. Yes, we can certainly do that. Any other items councilors would like dealt with separately? I don’t see any, so I’ll let the Deputy Mayor craft a motion.

I am then happy to put the balance of the report, items one through 10, excluding nine of the 14th, meeting of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee. Okay, so that’s everything on the floor with the exception of the request of the governance working group meeting on the floor. So the governance working group meeting, not part of the series of motions, everything else is. Any discussion on that?

Councilor Stevenson. Thank you. I’d like to speak on 2.1, the update of the whole of community system response implementation. Today is exactly six months from waking up as a newly elected councillor.

And it’s been an interesting six months. The reason, one of the biggest reasons I ran last summer was to have an impact on the homelessness situation and the downtown core. And as much as I appreciate this whole community system and what’s happening, I have expressed the concern I have that the whole of community doesn’t include the councillors. And we represent the community.

And my ward is particularly impacted. It is crazy there right now. And I need to be a part of it. I want to be a part of it.

And I asked for the monthly updates, which we received, but we just found out they had a meeting and there’s gonna be another meeting. The group got a 25 page document for the leaders to review. And I consider myself a leader. And I want to be part of this.

I don’t want this brought to us at the end. With just here it is, it’s all done. I think it’s really, really important that we have buy-in from the community, that the councillors are on board when this comes forward. And so the monthly report, I was looking for literally what direction are we going in?

I was looking for details. So if I could get clarity as to why six months in, I’m still out of the picture. I’ll go to the city manager. Your worship, the Health and Homelessness Summit has been a community effort.

Organizations that serve our community from a community health and social service perspective, from an institutional health perspective, education, business, BIA’s building and development. That’s who’s been in the room. Council is the body that has asked us to do that work. And we returned to council on February 28th with the work of the community and an indication of the next steps.

That’s what we’re moving forward with. So the report that we provided last month reflected the work to date. They had one meeting. We began to develop together collectively with the community what the whole of community implementation approach would be.

That’s what the work was and that’s what that report describes. We are doing this in real time. Since the writing of that report, we did have a meeting last week to further refine based on the feedback of the meeting at the end of March, what the implementation approach should look like. How do people want to work together as a community to make decisions?

Council is defined very clearly in that as a body that we are accountable to. That those tables are accountable to. We have to return to you monthly to tell you where we’re at in terms of progress. We have to return to council with a business case on when we’re ready as a community effort on how to use the LCRN funds and probably other requests as we move forward with implementation.

So from my perspective, that is the engagement of council as we move forward. You are the decision makers. You are the body that is accountable. Council is not the only funder of this effort.

There is the provincial government. We have a planning relationship with the Middlesex, London, Ontario Health Coordinating Council for giving me some of these terms are new to me. And so those are, it’s a multi-factor relationship. So we are not excluding anyone from the conversation.

The work is being done with the community in a community space where they are comfortable and participating and that is being reported regularly out to council. I just wanna add just some context because I’m certainly been doing work on behalf of council on the lobbying front. Much like the city manager will bring the regular monthly reports, it’s my intention at the next regular report to also update council on my activities and the lobbying that I’ve been doing on behalf of this body so that you’re well aware of the engagements that I’ve been making. In fact, this week from Wednesday to Friday, I’ll be traveling to Ottawa to meet with a series of ministers on getting support for this initiative.

And so I’ll add to what the city manager said. It’s my intention to report out to council in the next month on the work that I’ve been doing as well so that you can all see exactly what I’ve been doing and progress we’re making from that perspective on behalf of council as well. I’ll go back to councilor Stevenson. Thank you and through the chair, Mayor Morgan.

It’s the number one issue in the city. It’s certainly the number one issue in my ward. There’s an immense amount of frustration and quite frankly despair in this moment. And I’m just asking and I’ve been doing this behind the scenes for six months.

And so I’m speaking out more now because I don’t know where else to go. But the people need to know that I do desperately want the information and I do want to be a part of it. And I feel as though we’re being stopped. And so do I have access to the documents that are being shared with say my, when I go to the BIA, I get lots of information.

They’re telling me what is happening behind the scenes. And I’m just wondering why we can’t have those documents even at summary or we’re allowed to be on the calls. To the city manager. Your worship, I’ve not excluded anyone from the meetings.

I believe two councilors showed up at the end of March and I believe a councilor tried to join the online meeting just last week. It is a community discussion, a set of community partners. Our intention in the next monthly report would be to share with council what was discussed, what the whole of community implementation framework looks like, what the next steps are just as we did in the most recent report. If council wishes to direct me to include a member of council in those meetings, I would appreciate that direction.

Councillor Stevenson. So the first three health and homelessness summits, I was specifically asked not to attend, but at the direction of the city manager, did go to the, and I informed you ahead of time that I was gonna go to the fourth one and we did and I don’t believe we were disruptive, but we gave you advance notice, we went. I’m looking for clarity as to how I can be involved and I’m asking to be involved. And I don’t need direction to council.

I want it to be clear that the city councilor is not being impeded, that I’m free to go, free to get the Zoom links, free to get the documents that are being given to my constituents and to my BIA manager. Your worship, it is true that I respectfully asked members of council to allow the community to do their work in the first three summits. I don’t think it can be understated. The level of concern, lack of trust, worry, amongst community partners and the work they were trying to do together with us at the city.

We had to create a space to build trust, to be able to have honest and frank conversations where members of the community, members of civic administration needed to acknowledge that perhaps things in the past had not been done, the way we all wanted them to be done and to try to create an environment where we could do something different. I always say, if you want a different outcome, you gotta be different. And that’s what we were trying to do in that space. And so I respectfully ask council, as members of council, you carry different weight when you come into a community room.

You are there, you may seem like you’re an individual member of council, which is true, but you are also a member that makes decisions. You make decisions about funding, you make decisions about policy and by-law. So it is a power differential when community is trying to do work together. That is why I asked council to respectfully give space for the community to do their work together.

We are now moving into the next phase of implementation, and we have built a level of trust. It is fragile. It takes ongoing care and feeding and relationship building. And there is still power differentials between organizations, between civic administration and members of council.

You have a decision making authority. You are a funder. You are a policy maker. You decide on by-laws.

All those things have a very big impact on the work that this coalition of people are trying to do. It is well acknowledged the role of council and the accountability that the work of this community group has to bring forward. Hence the monthly, very happy to deliver monthly reports. So those are just to give some context about why.

It is not from an exclusion perspective. It is about trying to create a safe and comfortable space for people to do what is, frankly, incredibly difficult work. Probably the hardest work I’ve ever had to do in a 35-year career. Councilor Stevenson, you’ve got about 40 seconds left.

All right. I appreciate the work that is being done, and I honored the requests in the beginning. It has become a little untenable for me, and in terms of my constituents, I’m not 100% sure that I’m on board, necessarily, and I want to be enrolled, to be a part of it. We’ve got, you know, an agency was put in against the community improvement plan, against the core area action plan.

It was said it was only going to be four months. It’s longer. The trust gets to go both ways. Two, we’re talking about trust with them, but I can’t get copies of agreements.

I had to file an amphipa. Just to be able to see even what services were contracted for. So I think that I’m asking, too, that I be entrusted with more information and in terms of what is happening, because it matters. Your time’s up on this subject.

I have myself next on the speakers list, then Councilor Trossam and Councilor Pribble, but I’ll turn the chair over to Councilor Raman so I can speak. Thank you, recognizing I have the chair, Mayor Morgan is next on the speakers list. I want to make some comments on this through the presiding officer to my colleagues. City manager and I had discussions early on about politicians not being in the room and at the table.

And having been on the last council, and experienced the, whether you want to call it the hunger strike or the forgotten 519, or a number, not all, but a number of agencies expressing a complete lack of distrust and criticism in the way that we may have been approaching some of this work. And to have the opportunity to have our starkest critics sit alongside people who may have thought we were doing a good job, to come together to put their differences aside, where you have people who believe in rehabilitation and harm reduction, sitting side by side at a table, talking about transforming a system. That is a fragile coalition to have working together on changes that will probably transform the way they do their work, may change the way that they’re funded, may change the way that they have to collaborate with the city and with each other. And we all have to recognize, and I, you know, that took me a while in my first term to know that your words weigh an incredible amount.

Your presence in a room changes the dynamic of the discussion that is happening. And there are times where it is very appropriate for councillors to be at a table listening, engaging. And there are times where we have to create some space for others in a fragile coalition to have that space without us in the room changing the dynamic of the discussion to do some of that work too. Now, in my mind, that doesn’t mean that council doesn’t have a very important role.

It doesn’t mean that we can’t access documents, have regular reporting, engage with community partners. But it does mean there will be some difficult gray areas where we might disagree on where we should involve them and maybe where we aren’t. And I think we have to find a way to navigate that so that we maintain our understanding and support of the work that’s being done. We allow the city manager and the leadership team at the Health and Homelessness Summits to keep this coalition of agencies together.

I can tell you our strength in this, in engaging with other municipalities and talking with the work that they’re doing. They cannot believe that we have the people at the table working with us on this that we have. They, there is a lot of inviting in other communities. There’s a lot of disagreement to be able to speak with one full community voice, I think is an incredible advantage to us.

But it comes with a cost and it comes with challenges. And it comes with us having to, you know, perhaps not be in every single discussion related to this. Now, I appreciate the councilor’s desire and I think all of us desire, and I’ve even desired at times to wanting to be in a room that maybe I wasn’t in. But I do think we’re at a point now where we’ve got the support of the community, where we are on a path and we are working together.

And we do have a role to play and we are receiving regular updates, that there is a way to navigate some of this desire for information. But there’s also, you know, we also have to respect that our, you know, we want to ensure that we can continue to work together in this larger collaborative coalition of which the city is just one part. We’re an important part, but the community’s an important part. Those fundraising and giving up their individual dollars are an important part.

The provincial government and federal governments are an important part. My colleagues across the province and Councillor Hopkins’ colleagues across the province are an important part and our colleagues across the country because we won’t solve this issue if we take only our own actions. We will solve it in collaboration as a community, as well as other communities, finding the best practices, sharing them and moving forward together. So I certainly understand the desire.

And I know that, you know, an element of trust is very hard. And I know that Paul to want to be involved in every conversation because we got elected because we wanted to be involved in everything and especially on an issue as important as this. So I certainly commit to trying to help any member of council who wants to find, you know, how we navigate that gray area of our involvement and maybe creating some space better. And I will, I’m happy to engage with you with the city manager on how we can best do that if you’re struggling.

For now, I will say I have been supportive of the processes as unfolded. I continue to be supportive of it. But I continue to have that discussion with colleagues about how we can find the pathways that make you comfortable and make you be able to respond to your constituent questions in ways that you’re comfortable with as well. Thank you, I’m returning the chair to Mayor Morgan with Councilor Trostin on speakerless speakers.

Sometimes the hardest part of exercising leadership is knowing when to just step back a little bit and let some other people who have more expertise than you take the front. And I think the point about just our presence in the room can be overwhelming in the beginning. And I acknowledge that I have that problem myself in a lot of ways. At first, I was like, really, we don’t get to go to these meetings.

And it’s sort of like, I understand it now because I think that the process that unfolded was very good. We have a lot to do. I mean, nothing’s going anywhere unless we approve the budget. And we just approved a strategic plan that doesn’t just speak about homelessness issues in generalities and vagaries.

We put a lot of detail in that strategic plan. And that’s our roadmap. That’s our policy roadmap. We’ve spoken and we expect staff and everybody else that’s working with us to stay within that framework.

I think at this point, I am very happy to just sort of continue along the lines as we are. And I’m the person which is, I was elected. I’m the counselor. I should be in the middle of everything.

So I’m really starting to appreciate. It’s a subtle form of leadership. But I think that most of us here understand that. So I don’t want to disturb that because I think a lot of trust is being built.

Councilor Pribble. Through our shift to the staff. And I do want to mention that without exaggeration, some agencies, they did approach me and they did ask me why aren’t we involved and why aren’t we part of it. But to be honest with you that’s not, I’m more concerned now about three different things.

The first date, when do you think that we should have the final plan? Second, when do you think the implementation of the first initiatives could be done? And I’m quite sure it’s not gonna be next week. What are we gonna do from now till the initiatives are done?

Because we do have crisis there, no doubt. It’s getting worse. And we know that we shouldn’t anticipate it. I’m sorry, I’m quite sure we all anticipate it.

It wants the beds closed from the winter programme that people have nowhere to go. So they’ll end up being on the streets and in the encampments. The situation is really getting bad. We are getting no doubt.

I’ll speak on my behalf. The complaints, emails, phone calls I get have to do number one with homelessness, dye encampments, starting nearby schools again. Parents are not happy. So if I can have approximate three dates for when could we have it completed, when first initiatives were kicked in and what we are doing from now till the first initiatives in because we do need to do some things.

Thank you. Go ahead. Your worship, the teams, the implementation tables will be stood up in May. The intention is to focus on three things initially.

The first hubs that we want to put in place, the first highly supported housing units that need to be put in place, and also a clear strategy to addressing encampments. Those are the initial three priorities and those meetings will begin in May. We’re just, as I say, finalizing the approach to implementation, which is significant. You’ve heard me say, build a bridge while walking across it.

That is what we are doing. So we are dealing still with a system that is struggling to meet the pressures and demands because our numbers have escalated dramatically over the last 18 months. Folks are doing their very best. And Kevin’s team, Mr.

Dickens team, is daily working to respond to emerging issues. We are doing that in real time right now while we are trying to move forward to do the detailed planning and begin to stand up the hubs and highly supported units. When will you see the first hubs? I hope this fall.

That’s the intention that we’re working towards. And believe me, people are working as quickly as possible. We understand. I anticipate it is going to be a challenging summer.

We don’t yet have the hubs in place. They’re not gonna come out of magic. The work has to be done to pull those pieces together. In addition to that, we recognize the pressure around encampments.

An emergency meeting was held last week with a number of community leaders to begin to develop the initial plan so we can be much better coordinated and clear on the overall response to support people that are living in encampments while we look to what does the longer term support strategy look like? So people are actively engaged. The city is part of those discussions as are a number of community health and social service leaders. I believe their next meeting is next week.

So those are the things that we are doing in terms of answers to your questions about what’s next, the timeline, and when do we hope to see some things in place? Councillor Pribble, you have a little bit of time left. Yeah, just to follow up on, so the way I’m hearing it at the first house would be fall, so let’s say even if it’s September, if there would be certain proposals or some suggestions that from the staff that could come back to us either the committee or I’ll stick with the committee with some initiatives because summers are as bad as winters. You are going from minus 22 plus 40 or whatever it is, and we will have big issues ahead of us.

So if there are certain initiatives, like we had an emergency winter program, if there could be something to be, when you mentioned the bridge to get over it, to buy some time and improve the situation within the next five months, since the first hubs are open, if some initiatives could be introduced and proposed to the committee, thank you. Yes, let me just say, Councillor, in my discussions with Mr. Dickens, we just received millions of dollars from the province, and that, as I said today, will be used in two ways. One is to prepare for the implementation of the hub system.

The other is to deal with the situation that we know we have in the city now. Additional resources are available to us, and Mr. Dickens will be very transparent in the way that they’re deployed through our regular reporting mechanism to those committees. But I can tell you, the announcement today is good news for us having some short-term resources to be able to address the gap period between now and the ramping up of the hubs, and that was, as you know, ‘cause you were there, this is a piece of that funding that we received today.

I’ll allow staff to add any context, but I just wanted Mr. Dickens that I had this exact conversation, so I wanted to add that context as well. Mr. Dickens, you can add anything you’d like.

Thank you, Your Worship, and through you, absolutely. So as Ms. Livingston indicated, the work is happening in real time. And the work that has happened to date is pretty significant when you consider there was a severe lack of a coordinated system, and what we have now is the framework of a decision-making model of a scope of membership of a clear-cut endorsed values and principles.

We were able to get people to come together to agree on those things and move quickly on those things, recognizing the emergency that’s on our streets. The complaints, the concerns, the safety issues, the encampments has been an annual challenge. Ms. Livingston has indicated it’s going to be a rough summer.

It’s going to be rougher than most summers, but most summers are really, really rough. We get our inboxes fill up daily from members of this horseshoe with complaints, concerns about people living unsheltered. So those are not new issues. There are issues that we’ve been addressing for a number of years.

What we’re looking to do, though, is to make sure that we are making the best use of our resources in a responsible way as fast as we can. So we want to make sure that the community is able to come together as Ms. Livingston indicated, multi-sector response to a community issue to understand whose dollars are best spent when? Is it a front-end-loaded health investment to get support of housing off the ground, or is it a municipal investment to do something else?

Is it a provincial investment to advance on the funding that the mayor just acknowledged? So we want to make sure we’re moving coordinated and coordinated fashion, but we’re moving quickly. We will be standing up the implementation tables in May. That work will be to design and confirm what we would like to see in place when it comes to housing hubs and the encampments, and we will be, as we come back, on a monthly basis, providing you detailed updates on where the system is at, and we will have many opportunities to bring forward to you.

Investment opportunities for your consideration and debate. Thank you. Okay, I’m gonna go to the next speaker. Okay, I don’t have a next speaker, Deputy Mayor Lewis.

Thank you, Your Worship, and I’m just gonna offer a few thoughts, and I want to build on what you shared, what Councillor Stevenson shared, what everybody has shared on this, because one of the things that I think is really important to understand, particularly with our senior leadership team for colleagues, is they’re always open to hearing our comments and feedback. So we don’t necessarily have to be, and believe me, I understand the frustration, too, about not being in the room. But it’s absolutely, in this position you want to be, because ultimately, the buck stops with us in terms of our constituents holding us accountable. But sometimes we do have to let go of that a little bit, and put some trust in faith in folks, but that doesn’t mean that their ears are closed to the input that we want to provide them to.

Councillor, and I’m gonna share an example. I’m gonna share an example publicly, go on the record with it, because Councillor Preble mentioned schools, and Mr. Dickens mentioned that we fill up their inboxes every day. Absolutely, we do.

I’ve done it. In fact, I did it today, again, with an encampment right on the lot line of a public school, from a complaint that I got from a principal. And I’m gonna continue to forward those along, because for me, when we get to the point of setting a policy around encampments, personally, my position is going to be school zones or no-go zones. They are a zero tolerance area for encampments, because we have to think about student safety there.

I’ve shared that feedback with Mr. Dickens. The encampment, how we deal with those, is still a work in progress. But I’m confident that when he’s sitting at that table, he’s also shared the concerns that he’s getting from me and other members of council about encampments around school zones.

So when that policy recommendation does come back to us, I hope and I trust that those concerns will be reflected. So while participating in the meetings might feel like there’s some value to it for us, I think it’s important to recognize that we are in a position where we can provide input in other avenues, avenues that aren’t open to necessarily as open to the public or to agencies, because we’ve got that direct line of communication with the senior leadership team that we work with every day on all kinds of issues, whether it’s Ms. Barbone on the budget, or Mr. Mathers, or Ms.

McNeely on a planning issue, or whatever it happens to be. In this case, with encampments, it beat Mr. Dickens. But we have an opportunity to provide not just crisis response, we don’t just have to put out fires as councilors, we can also provide input that they can take into those sessions and share with our partners that, hey, you know what?

Councilors might have a different point of view, and I am not sure if this policy is going to be supported by council, because what I’m hearing from councilors is this, this, and this. So I really encourage people to support our team in their work by also providing them input ourselves. It can be a word in the hallway over a coffee, it can be an email to them, but I have never had a member of our senior leadership team turn me down in terms of taking the time to listen to my input and opinion. They might not agree with me, but they take the time to listen.

And yes, I did see that wink, Ms. Cher, and Ms. Cher has corrected me several times on the Ontario Roads Manual and traffic calming, and those particular things. And actually she’s talking a lot through saying, you know what, you’re actually wrong on this one, and here’s why, and I appreciate that.

But the door is always open. So have those conversations. And certainly as we work through this process, we may find we want a more robust reporting system. We may find that we want to designate, as we do on boards, agencies, and commissions are representative from this body to be in those discussions.

But I do think we’re very early on in this process moving forward. So I’m extending that trust, and I’m continuing to extend my personal opinions and feedback to our senior leadership team as we go. I just want other colleagues to know that in my experience, their door’s always been open, so we can share those thoughts with them as well. Councillor Ramen.

Thank you. And a follow up to Deputy Mayor Lewis’ comments just now. I just wanted to get a sense from a process perspective. If we did want to explore at a further date, having a member of council as a representative of a working group or through this process, I’m just wondering, would that be through governance working group that we would have that conversation, or is there a need for a motion?

How would we basically make that decision as a council? And what kind of a decision point would we be looking for, I guess, collectively around doing that? Sure, I have the city manager, I have clerks who can also help. Your worship, in the next report to council, the next update, there’ll be a description of the whole of community implementation framework.

I think that might be an opportunity, should council wish to play a different or more direct role in some elements of it. You’ll see what that framework looks like and the work that is underway. That could be an opportunity. Okay, thank you.

That exhaust the speakers list. Probably we could have pulled that item maybe, ‘cause we’re dealing with the whole committee report with the exception of the one piece. But just before we vote, so everybody knows, you’re not just voting on the thing we were talking about, but everything except for the piece that Councillor Van Mirberg and one had dealt with separately, which is their request to governance working group. If there’s no other discussion on this, I’m gonna open approval of the SBPC report with the exception of that governance working group item for voting.

I’ll close on the vote, motion carries 14 to zero. And just so colleagues, no Councillor Plaza was with us. She’s dropped off that’s why there’s only 14 votes at this kind of time. Go back to the deputy mayor on the remaining item on the committee agenda.

Thank you, Your Worship, recognizing that if we had pulled 2.1 anyway, I would have still been standing that whole time. I am now happy to put item nine, the request to the governance working group meeting on the floor. Okay, that’s on the floor. I know one council member wanted to vote separately on this.

Is there any discussion on it? Okay, seeing none, we’re gonna open that for voting. Councillor Ferrer. Oh, yes.

Thank you, closing the vote, motion carries 13 to one. And that completes the 14th report of the strategic priorities and policy committee. I need to volunteer, Councillor Ramen. Like everybody looked the other way when I said that.

So that concludes our regular committee reports. There will be two other added reports, but first we’re gonna do the report out of council and closed session. I have Councillor Ramen who will read out our report from some of the decisions we’ve made in closed session. Okay, thank you.

Seventh report of the council in closed session. Your council in closed session report. Item one, property disposition, city owned surplus land, part of 181 Hamilton Road. Then on the recommendation of the deputy city manager, finance supports on the advice of the director of real estate services with respect to the city owned surplus land located at 181 Hamilton Road.

City of London County Middlesex being part of lot 28. South or as Hamilton Road, Northeast Gray Street, KL 178 in brackets E being part up in number 083130062, particularly described as part two plan 33R-21427 as shown on the location map, the agreement of purchase and sale, the agreement as submitted by the Thames Valley District School Board, the purchaser to purchase the subject property from the city at the purchase price of $190,000 be accepted subject to the terms and conditions set out in the agreement. Item two, partial property acquisition 300 Clark Road, future road widening and improvements that on the recommendation of the deputy city manager, finance supports on the advice of the director, real estate services with respect to the property located at 300 Clark Road, further described as part lot four, concession C being part of pins 08128-1980 in the city of London Middlesex County, containing an area of approximately 10,791 square feet, as shown on the location map, for the purpose of future road improvements and cycling facilities, the following action be taken. A, the offer submitted by Thames Valley District School Board, the vendor to sell the subject property to the city for the sum of 260,000 be accepted subject to the terms and conditions set out in the agreement, and B, the financing of this acquisition be approved, a set out in the source of financing report.

Okay, and I assume you’re willing to move those motions. Yes, I’m moving on, thank you. Seconder, Councillor Troceau. Any discussion on the report out from the camera and the items that are before us today?

Okay, we’ll open that for voting. Hello, Mr. and the votes, yes. Opposed in the vote, motion carries 15 to zero.

Okay, colleagues, we have two added reports from special committee meetings yesterday. The first is the eighth report of the Special Corporate Services Committee meeting. It’s a one item report with debenture issuance, so I’ll go to Deputy Mayor to move the motion. Thank you, Your Worship.

I’m happy to move the eighth report of the Corporate Services Committee, the special meeting regarding debenture issuance. Okay, that’s on the floor, is there any discussion? Seeing none, we’ll open that for voting. Close the votes, yes.

Councillor Hopkins. Vote yes. Thank you, closing the vote, motion carries 15 to zero. The other added report is the seventh report of Civic Works Committee, I’ll go to Councillor ramen to present that report, it’s also a one item agenda.

Thank you, I will put on the floor, the seventh special meeting of, of course, the special meeting which was the seventh of Civic Works Committee. We dealt with one item, item 2.1, which was the updates of the blue box transition. I’m putting those items on the floor. It was to provide the deputy city manager environment and infrastructure with delegated authority through Appendix A and D.

Okay, any questions on that? Seeing none, we’ll open that for voting in the system as well. Close the votes, yes. Close in the vote, motion carries 15 to zero.

Okay, that brings us to the end of added reports. There are no deferred matters and inquiries. Do you know inquiries? There are no emergent motions.

That means we move on to bylaws. We have all of the bylaws that are in your package. I’ll note that one in there, number 123 says on added bylaw list, that is the bylaw associated with the ventures that we just, from the special committee report that we just approved. There’s also based on our in-camera report out additional bylaws 139 to 143, which relate to those additional matters, which came out of closed session.

Does anybody want any bylaws dealt with separately? Or can we deal with all of it together? Anybody want something dealt with separately? Give you a second just to make sure, no?

Okay, then I’m gonna look for a motion for first reading on all of the bylaws, including the additional ones. Wait, oh, sorry, Councillor Van Mierbergen, you want something dealt with separately? No mares going to move it, move the bylaws? Well, that’s even better, you’re the mover.

I look for a seconder. I see Councillor Hillier, it’s a double online move in second, that’s great. There is no debate during first reading, so we’ll open first reading for voting of all of the bylaws, including the additional ones. Close the votes, yes.

Close the vote, motion carries 15 to zero. All right, second reading, looking for a mover and a seconder, moved by Councillor Hopkins, seconded by Councillor Layman. Any debate on second reading? Okay, seeing none, we’ll open that for voting.

Close the vote, yes. Close in the vote, motion carries 15 to zero. Third reading of all of the bylaws, including the additional ones that came out of her in camera session, mover, Councillor McAllister, seconder, Councillor Cuddy. There is no discussion on third reading, so we’ll open that for voting.

Close the vote, yes. Close in the vote, motion carries 15 to zero. That we’ve concluded the bylaws. We have left as a motion to adjourn, moved by Councillor Frank, seconded by Councillor ramen.

This is by hand, all those in favor of adjournment? Motion carries. All right, thank you, we are adjourned. I’ll be back on Friday, I’ll be in Ottawa.

We’ll see you when I get back.